Dr. Handy’s Corner: Let’s Talk about Group A Strep
Published on in Parents PACK
Published on in Parents PACK
This month’s video focuses on group A Streptococcus (group A strep), a bacterium that causes several different illnesses in children, including strep throat, scarlet fever and skin infections. It can also cause more invasive infections, like bloodstream infections, bone infections and necrotizing fasciitis (more commonly referred to as “flesh-eating bacteria”). Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the results of an investigation into a spike in these more invasive, and more scary, outcomes of group A strep infections.
Two points in the video are important to remember in understanding what the CDC found. First, group A strep is passed from one person to another through respiratory secretions. Second, other respiratory infections can provide an opportunity for group A strep infections to become invasive, increasing the risk in individuals sick with a primary viral infection.
The CDC investigation of data from two surveillance sites found that between October and December 2022, 34 cases of invasive group A strep were reported. In comparison between 2016-2019, those same two sites averaged 11 cases between October and December of each year.
While this finding might seem alarming, parents should realize that:
To see the full summary of the CDC investigation, check the March 10 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).
Categories: Parents PACK April 2023, Dr. Handy's Corner
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