Which streptococcal bacteria are of new concern in the pandemic?

The Covid-19 epidemic, which began in recent years and forced the whole world to go through a difficult process, has not been completely overcome today. However, vaccines developed against the virus and the virus being mutated to become less deadly have eased epidemic measures around the world. However, this situation has led to the fact that some other diseases, suppressed by measures to combat the coronavirus, have developed into new epidemics. For example, epidemics such as influenza and RSV have seriously affected many people in recent times. Here, a dangerous bacterium called “Strep A”, which has recently been intensively observed in Europe and especially in England, raised the question “whether it will cause a new epidemic”.

Streptococcus A bacteria can be very dangerous and even deadly, especially for young children. For this reason, experts in England, where there has recently been an intense spread of bacteria, are warning families to be careful! Here’s what you need to know about Streptococcus A bacteria, which makes you wonder if a new epidemic is starting in Europe.

What is Streptococcus A?

Streptococcus A, also known as group A streptococcus, is a bacterium that commonly causes infections such as sore throats and tonsillitis. However, these bacteria can settle in the throat and respiratory tract of infected people, as well as appear on the skin. However, many people who get strep A recover with mild symptoms. However, diseases caused by bacteria can be fatal, especially for children under a certain age.

Bacteria spread by close contact, coughing or sneezing are said to be highly contagious.

For this reason, there has recently been a significant increase in the number of diseases caused by Streptococcus A bacteria, especially in the UK. Experts state that this growth was also affected by the lifting of restrictions due to the coronavirus. UK expert D. Elizabeth Whittaker on this “We saw very few group A streptococci in the first two years of the pandemic. After the restrictions were lifted, the bacteria began to circulate again in 2022.” he uses.

What are the symptoms?

The bacteria often cause sore throats or skin infections. However, symptoms such as high fever, fatigue, skin rash, and muscle pain are also quite common. However, these symptoms caused by Streptococcus A bacteria can be easily treated with various antibiotics. But there are more serious diseases caused by bacteria.

Streptococcus A bacteria can cause scarlet fever!

Scarlet fever, which mostly occurs in children, is characterized by high fever, sore throat, rash, swollen neck glands, and flu-like symptoms. In addition, the symptoms caused by the disease include redness of the skin, inflammation of the tongue, and the appearance of red dots on the tongue.

Experts say it’s important to report highly contagious scarlet fever as soon as possible to eliminate the risk of epidemics. However, antibiotic therapy in the early stages of the disease gives very effective results.

Group A streptococcal infection caused by Streptococcus A bacteria is extremely dangerous!

Infection that occurs when bacteria enter the immune system can sometimes be fatal in people with weakened immune systems, people with already severe illnesses, and children.

The most common symptoms of this infection are high fever and muscle pain. Vomiting and diarrhea accompanying these symptoms are also considered important signs of infection. Experts say people who show these symptoms should seek medical attention as soon as possible. In addition, it is critical to identify people with whom the symptoms are in close contact so that the infection does not develop into an epidemic.

There are no vaccines to treat Streptococcus A bacteria and diseases caused by these bacteria.

For this reason, infected people are treated with antibiotics. It is known that antibiotic treatment gives very positive results if the disease is diagnosed at an early stage.

6 children have died in England since September due to Strep A infection!

There has also been a significant increase in the number of cases in the UK. It is stated that the number of people infected due to bacteria is 5 times higher than before the coronavirus period. Many experts fear that the number of cases will increase even more in the future. However, the fact that the bacterium is highly contagious raises the question of whether it will cause a new epidemic.

To rule out this dreadful possibility, experts say strict hygiene practices must be followed, especially in places like schools and nursing homes.

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