Strep A expert issues statement to parents worried about bacteria hurting their children
A leading medical expert has said that Strep A infections are not a general cause for concern but parents and doctors should remain vigilant.
“What's happened is that the streptococcus had a really hard time during the lockdowns, it was suppressed, because it didn't have a good chance of spreading from person to person. Because we were washing our hands, we were wearing masks, socially distancing, not meeting up and all that kind of thing and once all those things have gone away, the bug is getting back to normal as it were and we're getting back to a situation that occurred before the pandemic.
“Some children have the classical symptoms of scarlet fever, where you get a skin rash and feel pretty sick and perhaps have vomiting or diarrhoea, you know, headaches and all that kind of thing. Most of those get better, and would get better even if they weren't treated. But the good news is that treatment is straightforward with penicillin.
He added: “I think parents have to have a high index of suspicion at the moment. Half a dozen cases is not large, by any standard. Now, we have an expectation that a treatable disease, which is this is, by a standard straightforward antibiotics should be corrected, should be cured.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Health bosses issue update as another child dies of Strep AThe UK Health Security Agency said currently there is no evidence that a new strain is circulating. In very rare circumstances, the infection can cause serious illness
Read more »
Strep A bug that has killed six children could be linked to lockdown, experts sayThe Strep A outbreak that has caused the deaths of six children could be linked to lockdown weakening immune systems, experts have warned.
Read more »
Girl, 4, critical with Strep infection, as family tell of nightmareTHE dad of a four-year-old girl who is fighting for her life after contracting Step A has told of his pain after six others kids died. Young Camila Rose Burns has been on a ventilator since Monday …
Read more »
Strep A is common and generally causes mild infections - so why the spate of deaths now?Not sure what Strep A is? Here is a brief explanation – it is a type of bacterium found in the throat and on the skin and in most people does not cause any symptoms, the NHS says.
Read more »
Newspaper headlines: Strep A warnings and Matt Hancock diariesSaturday's front pages focus on the rise of the bacteria infection and the first extracts from the former health secretary's diaries.
Read more »