2023-07-08 17:13:47
The National Ministry of Health reported that during 2023 the National Health Surveillance System (SNVS) was already notified 118 confirmed cases of invasive infection by Streptococcus pyogenes throughout the country, which represents an increase of 281% compared to the case count in the same period of 2019.
The ministry, which has been monitoring this event since 2018, reported that of all confirmed cases in the elapsed months of the current year 16 were fatal. In all of 2022, 8 deaths due to invasive infection with the bacteria were recorded.
In relation to confirmed cases of invasive infection by Streptococcus pyogenes in previous years (2019-2022), the highest number of cases had been registered in 2022 (closed year) with 75 reported cases. The number of cases of 2023 represents an increase of 281% over the same period in 2019.
This occurs in an international context in which, in December 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that at least five Member States of the European region had reported an increase in the number of cases of invasive group A strep disease (Streptococcus pyogenes).
That same month, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) also issued a statement due to an increase in cases registered in Uruguay.
The Ministry of Health has been monitoring this kind of event since 2018. Photo: Emmanuel Fernandez.
The provinces with the highest number of confirmed cases accumulated in 2023 are Buenos Aires (35), Santa Fe (20), Chubut (10) and Tierra del Fuego (10).
What is and how is a Streptococcus infection treated?
Very common in winter times, the streptococcus bacterium It is transmitted from person to person and is one of the main causes of throat infections in children, for example, angina and pharyngitis.
Most of these types of infections are treated with antibiotics and the patient is cured without sequelae.
Con the scientific name of streptococcus pyogenesdepending on the area where the infection is located, the streptococcus bacteria can also generate: scarlet fever, impetigo, meningitis, ear infections, phlegmon of the throat, bacteremia (bacteria in the blood), osteomyelitis (bone infection), necrotizing fasciitis (tissue death) and, in some exceptional cases, a type of infection called invasive.
In this extreme case, the danger is that sepsis is generated: an uncontrolled inflammatory reaction in the body that can lead to shock and death. These cases are rare and isolated, but there are. That is why it is important to detect the first symptoms in time.
Transmission occurs through close contact with an infected person and can be transmitted through coughing, sneezing, or contact with a wound.
Streptococcus has been known for more than 200 years and, Although there is no vaccine to prevent the spread of this bacterium, it is easily treatable..
The bacteria is detected through a throat swab. The first result takes a few minutes, but the culture can take up to 3 days. It should be noted that, although the rapid test has been “negative”, we must wait for the result of the culture to completely rule out infection.
recommendations
Given the increase in cases, the Ministry of Health of the Nation communicated some recommendations for the population to take into account.
Los symptoms of pharyngitis they are sore throat; fever; headaches; abdominal pain; nausea and vomiting; redness of the pharynx and tonsils; bad breath; enlarged nodes in the neck.
As for scarlet fever, the most frequent symptoms are a red and sore throat; fever (38.3° or more); red rash with “sandpaper” texture; deep red skin in armpit, elbow, and groin folds; whitish coating over tongue or back of throat; “raspberry” tongue; headache; nausea or vomiting; swollen glands; body aches.
In the presence of some of these symptoms it is important to avoid self-medication with antibiotics and make a medical consultation to have a timely diagnosis.
In the case of receiving a medical indication for antibiotic treatment, it is essential to complete the scheme, since inappropriate use of antibiotics promotes bacterial resistancea fact that undermines its effectiveness in the future.
Likewise, sick people should avoid going to public places (work, school) and restrict household contacts. It is also important to wash your hands frequently; Do not share objects for personal use (cutlery, glasses, towels, among others) and adequately and regularly ventilate the environments.
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