- Scarlet fever: More cases detected in children in Europe in 2022
- WHO experts call on countries monitoring of the situation
- Typical symptoms in case of scarlet fever
- Is the Strep infection dangerous?
- How long is one with scarlet fever contagious?
Scarlet Fever in Europe: The World Health Organization WHO and the EU Health Authority ECDC have faced an increase in serious illnesses in children after infections with group A streptococci called for vigilance. Group A streptococci can lead to scarlet fever. Scarlet fever is a classic childhood disease and is one of the most common bacterial infectious diseases in this age group. However, basically anyone can get scarlet fever.
Scarlet fever spreads in Europe – several deaths
France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the UK had one for 2022 increase in cases the as iGAS (invasive group A streptococcal infection) has been reported in children under 10 years of age. be at the same time also several deaths in this age group in connection with streptococcal infections. In the UK and France, the number of serious illnesses is many times higher than in the same period before the pandemic, the statement said.
Actually, streptococcal infections usually only cause mild illnesses, such as scarlet fever, and can be treated well with antibiotics. Yet in rare cases, serious complications can occur.
According to preliminary findings, the WHO experts do not assume that the increase was caused by a new variant of group A streptococci. Antibiotic resistance is probably not the cause either. Instead, it is considered likely that the accumulation has to do with the fact that the Infections with A streptococci were lower due to the contact restrictions during the pandemic and a kind of catch-up effect is now setting in. There could also be a larger number of serious illnesses because many other viruses are currently circulating which, in connection with the streptococci, aggravate the illnesses.
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Although the WHO experts have so far assessed the risk to the general public as low, they advised all European countries to take one to watch out for similar developments. Health authorities should consider campaigns to educate physicians and the public about iGAS disease. Parents and guardians should be notified of any worrisome symptoms. Tests, corona and flu vaccinations were also advised.
Scarlet Fever: These are the symptoms
- Headache,
- Sore throat,
- Difficulties swallowing,
- Chills,
- rapidly rising fever,
- Stomach pain,
- Vomit.
After 1 to 2 days a non-itchy one forms skin rashwhich spreads to the whole body via the armpits, chest and groin, how infectionprotection.de reported. Palms of hands and soles of feet are spared. The cheeks are very red, the skin around the mouth is pale. The rash disappears after 6 to 9 days. A few days later, the skin peels off, especially on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Typical of a scarlet fever disease is also the “raspberry tongue“: First the tongue is coated white, after a few days it turns raspberry red.
When does scarlet fever become dangerous?
Especially the Complications of the infection are dangerousreports Jakob Maske, pediatrician, to the BR. “That’s the only reason she’s being treated with antibiotics.”
Complications can occur, among other things, because streptococci produce toxins. In very rare cases can it lead to the so-called Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS).. The toxins of the streptococci, so-called superantigens, “cause a polyclonal uncontrolled stimulation” of certain immune cells, the T-cells, like that RKI reports on its website. This reaction of the immune system leads to shock and multi-organ failure, which, according to the RKI, is fatal in 30 percent of cases.
According to the mask pediatrician, the following complications can occur after a streptococcal infection: damage to the inner heart wall and thereby heart valve defects, kidney damage or even one minor chorea, i.e. a movement disorder with psychiatric changes. Complications are raised infectionprotection.de observed more often when scarlet fever has not been treated with antibiotics or when antibiotic therapy is stopped prematurely.
When does the disease break out and how long are you contagious?
Between the contagion and outbreak of the disease usually 1 to 3 days.
Will scarlet fever with antibiotics treated, consists already 24 hours after the first intake no risk of infection more. Without antibiotic therapy are sick up to 3 weeks after the first complaints contagious.
For further reading: Flu, cold, corona, RS virus: what are the symptoms?
with dpa
