Lessons learned during the pandemic could help tackle Strep A, expert says

Invasive Group A Strep remains uncommon, the UKHSA have said, but there has nevertheless been a significant increase in cases seen this year — particularly in children under the age of 10.

Specifically, this year has seen 2.3 cases per 100,000 kids aged one to four and 1.1 per 100,000 children aged five to nine — compared, respectively, to figures of just 0.5 and 0.3 at this time of year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to medical experts, symptoms of invasive Group A Strep can include a persistently high temperature, difficulties breathing, a spreading rash that doesn’t fade when pressed, red and swollen joints, irritability and difficulty waking.

The latest child to die after contracting the severe form of Strep A is reported to be five-year-old Stella-Lily McCorkindale of Belfast, Northern Ireland, who passed away on Monday after being hospitalised last week.

READ MORE: Antibiotics will be used to fight Strep A as ninth child dies

Article source: https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1706770/group-a-strep-invasive-infection-prevent-spread-hygiene-ventilation-israel