Streptococcus: What parents should watch out for children up to 12 years old, experts answer

For streptococcus there is no vaccine, but an antibiotic, while for monkey pox the vaccine has been available since July 22, said the pathologist, Professor of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine at EKPA, Theodora Psaltopoulou, speaking to ERT and the show “Connections”.

In 2023, there were approximately 100 cases of streptococcus in adults and children with a 25% chance of death, and correspondingly they are this year. We are infected from an open wound, a wound from a bite, but also through the respiratory tract, Ms. Psaltopoulou reminded.

The symptoms of strep can refer us to some other viral infection
Streptococcus manifests itself after there have been some previous infections, so a little fever, myalgias, a little diarrhea, prevent a timely examination, pointed out Eleni Riza, Professor of Epidemiology at EKPA, speaking to ERT.

Although the test is very simple, it is accurate and there is indeed an antibiotic that can completely cure the disease, some people are delayed, he added.

“Greater attention is needed for young children under 10-12 years old, because this is the group that is affected,” added the epidemiologist, calling on parents to be alert if they notice any change, either in their appetite or in their mood. .

To the question whether the vaccine also covers the new aggressive mutation of mpox-type smallpox, Th. Psaltopoulou answered: “Unfortunately, the day before yesterday it was reported that in clinical studies the original antiviral drug was not as effective in this new phylogenetic group, 1B, but in clinical study measured a probability of death of around 1.5 to 2%, which is lower than what we had in the first place for these African countries”. “The infection comes from close skin and sexual contact, and is also transmitted by bedding, towels or clothing. It appears several days after the illness and we also have the fever and the headache, but mainly we have the rashes and pain, severe pain, but mainly we have rashes that turn from blisters into pustules and then spikes and this lasts for 2 to 4 weeks before it heals” , Ms. Psaltopoulou reminded.