Strep A, the common bacterium behind the spike in cases and deaths in children in the UK

• Infections UK child deaths from Strep A bacteria rise to seven

In recent days, a new health alert has been circulating in the United Kingdom.

The group A streptococcus (GAS) bacterium has claimed the lives of up to six minors in the last three months, according to data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

The latest official figures, published on December 2, indicate that

of infection detected this season.

since we are

In a global world in which we have seen how a virus goes around the world in a few hours or how what happens with seasonal viruses is common to the entire northern hemisphere (flu, bronchiolitis...), doubts arise as to whether This increase in cases also occurs in our country or in neighboring states.

For the moment, from

, its spokesperson,

and that the death "is something exceptional," says Quince.

"In most cases, the disease is mild and there are no new strains, nor any data that makes us think that we have to change the approach."

What are group A streptococcus bacteria?

They are a group of bacteria that

.

"They are old acquaintances, group A streptococci are one of the agents

, one of the diseases we already know about," explains Quince.

What are the symptoms of this bacterium?

Generally in young children it shows its face through mild pictures, which can be

either

, which has basically been called the

.

"These are diseases that are almost always mild, but

within the family environment and in those who go to nurseries or closed environments," he points out.

"There are a series of circumstances that help you identify it:

, they attend with

,

, they put

.

With this, the doctor should be consulted and the test will be carried out to detect this streptococcal disease and avoid evolution to a serious and even fatal condition.

What is the incidence of cases caused by the bacteria?

In recent months in the UK more cases than usual are being seen.

According to

UK Health Security Agency

, in its latest report, 851 cases have been registered in week 46, compared to an average of 186 in previous years.

With this it is possible to wonder if it is necessary to speak of the existence of an epidemic, "it is not yet known", indicates the spokesman of the SEIMC.

"But

causing minor illnesses in children during these two and a half years due to the prevention measures of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Now, with the return to normality, they are suddenly exposed during this course to these microorganisms against which they have not developed the immunity that they usually acquired progressively with contact during their childhood."

Have you seen that there are more cases in our country?

Quince comments that "

". And it sends a reassuring message by stating that there is no alarm level. "Although any new news of diseases that affect children may be of particular concern.

But is nothing new".

How do you prevent the spread and infection of strep A?

Nothing we haven't had to learn in two years of pandemic.

"The prevention measures that we must maintain are the usual ones for all this type of contagious infectious diseases in children. The main one is n

.

The difficult thing is knowing how to differentiate, for a father or a mother, when the pathology is serious and requires medical control.

In these cases,

recalls Quince.

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