Health warning about the increase in bacteria causing pharyngeal and skin infections

The Ministry of Health warned of the increasing number of bacteria causing pharyngitis and skin infections,l'Nodal signs Or group A streptococcus – as advanced this Wednesday Girona newspaper—. Data from the Information System for Infection Surveillance in Catalonia (SiViC) show how cases of streptococcal pharyngitis have not stopped rising since the beginning of January, in the midst of the peak of influenza, Covid-19 and VRS.

Specifically, in the week from February 19 to 25, 4238 cases of streptococcal pharyngitis were detected (37% of all cases of the disease). “The increase in incidence continues, reaching 54 cases per 100,000 population of streptococcal pharyngitis,” SiViC noted. “The second epidemic wave continues Nodal signs“, Salam concludes.

In the same way, Scarlet fever cases have also increased since the first week of January. Last week, 444 cases were detected, bringing the infection rate to 6 cases per 100,000 people. And more of the same with They challenge himOf these, 1,058 cases were discovered, with a clear upward trend since the beginning of the year. In this case, the infection rate is 13 cases per 100,000 people.

A year ago, Salot had already submitted an information note about streptococci – after an outbreak in the United Kingdom. The department explained that it is a bacteria that can colonize the throat, skin, and reproductive system, and is a frequent cause of pharyngitis and bacterial tonsillitis in school-age children. The most common symptoms of infection are: sore throat, headache I Fever. When it affects the skin, it produces Picture of herpes Sometimes, as a result of the production of toxins, it can lead to Scarlet fever (Thin red rash). The incidence of pharyngitis usually increases during the winter and early spring months. Most cases are mild and respond well to antibiotic treatment, although outbreaks in nurseries and schools can be frequent.

Streptococcus A: symptoms, transmission and treatment

It is a highly contagious bacteria that is usually transmitted from one person to another through one of the following methods: Respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezingDirect contact through skin lesions (wounds), and rarely indirectly through contact with contaminated objects and food. Sick people are much more likely to transmit the infection, but people without symptoms can also transmit the infection. The incubation period is 2 to 5 days after a person is exposed to EGA and before developing the disease (tonsillitis, pharyngitis, scarlet fever). When it comes to impetigo, the incubation period is 7 to 10 days.

Patients with a confirmed diagnosis should receive treatment Take antibiotic treatment at the recommended timeSo proper treatment is the main measure to control the transmission. Patients do not become infectious after 24 hours of treatment with appropriate antibiotics. It is recommended to avoid contact during the first 24 hours with people at risk, while it is recommended to exclude them from school or work until 24 hours after the start of treatment, provided that the patient’s general condition allows this. Penicillin for 10 days is the treatment of choice due to its effectiveness, while amoxicillin may be an acceptable alternative. Good hand and respiratory hygiene is important to stop the spread of disease.