Since mid-November, two Montreal children have died following having group A streptococcus, a bacterium found in the throat and on the skin, according to Health Canada. Here are the symptoms to watch out for.
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-Sore throat
-Skin infections such as scarlet fever
-Fever
-Malaise important
– Pain at the infected site
-Redness may quickly spread to the infected area
In rare cases, the bacteria can lead to complications. 20% of people are carriers without being sick.
-When it gets under the skin, it can cause a serious muscle disease called “flesh-eating bacteria”
-Pneumonia
-Infection du sang
– Several organs can be affected with a toxic shock
“It’s a bacterium that can be quite invasive and can destroy tissue. Often this bacteria produces toxins, which is a kind of poison, which brings down a child’s blood pressure. We have difficulty maintaining good circulation because of this. So it’s a toxic shock, ”explains Dr. Valérie Lamarre, pediatrician-infectologist at CHU Sainte-Justine.
-Death
The bacteria is treated with antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin.
“Make an appointment on Clic Santé to take the flu vaccine. It takes seven to ten days to have good protection,” recommends Dr. Christos Karatzios, pediatric infectious disease specialist at the Montreal Children’s Hospital.
“If you are sick, stay home. Be vigilant,” he added.
