“The risk of infection in the general population is low”said the WHO on December 15, 2022, about the cases of streptococcal A infections, on the rise in several European countries. These bacteria, most often benign, can be responsible for serious cases.
According to the WHO, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom have been affected by an increase in cases. But the risk of spreading to the general population “will be measured continuously”promises the WHO.
Read also : Streptococci A in children: Public Health France confirms an “increase in infections”
Two children and an adult died in France
In France, Public Health France confirmed on Monday December 12, 2022 a “Increase in non-invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) infections, including scarlet fever since September 2022”. At least two children and one adult have died in hospital due to complications from these infections.
Two deaths have also been recorded in Spain. In the United Kingdom, the British Health Security Agency announced that these bacteria had caused at least six deaths.