While the increase in cases seems less strong in recent days, the disease has caused 9 deaths in France, including 6 after hospitalization. Three children died before they could be hospitalized.
The latest data from the Public Health France report on the resurgence of invasive group A Streptococcal infections show “a decrease” in cases even if the figures “are not yet consolidated”.
But the latest human toll is chilling with 59 cases recorded in France resulting in 6 deaths of 5 children and one adult. Three other deaths were also recorded before the patients were admitted to hospital. These three children who died suddenly were aged 8 months, 2 and 3 years.
In its report published this Thursday, December 22, Public Health France also notes the “continued increase in the incidence of scarlet fever in children in the emergency room” in recent days, while consultations with SOS Médecins “suggest a trend towards stagnation, but at a level that remains high”.
As a reminder, the current epidemiological situation of infections with the bacterium Streptococcus A is not “linked to the emergence of a new bacterial strain but mainly to two genotypes (emm12 and emm1) already known”. This sudden increase in cases “could result, at least in part, from a post-barrier measures rebound in children whose immune system has not been in contact with the strains that usually circulate. These infections are also frequently secondary infections of ‘viral respiratory infections, which are also on the rise’.
What symptoms?
As a reminder, symptoms of a noninvasive group A strep infection include fever, sore throat, and mild skin infections like rashes, ulcers, bumps, and blisters.
But there are also four key signs to look out for in particular, according to the NHS, UK health authorities:
– Fever
– Intense muscle pain
– Localized muscle tenderness
– Redness around a wound
Transmission
According to Santé Publique France, the bacterium is transmitted by respiratory droplets and direct contact (nasal secretions, skin lesions, etc.).
To limit the risk of transmission, the authorities strongly advise adopting the same barrier gestures used against winter viruses:
– hand washing,
– wearing a mask for people with respiratory infections,
– sneeze or cough into the bend of the elbow.