Will the next wave of disease follow RSV? the look in European Neighboring countries are at least cause for concern: France, Ireland, The Netherlands, Sweden The US and Great Britain report higher than average numbers of cases of scarlet fever and other diseases caused by group A streptococci. Children under the age of ten are especially affected. that comes from one
joint statement by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the EU health authority ECDC
before.

In reality, strep infections usually only cause mild illness, such as scarlet fever, and can be well treated with antibiotics. However, in rare cases, serious complications can occur, some of which are fatal.

At least 19 children have died in Britain

The British are particularly affected at the moment. At least 19 children have died here since September as a result of the bacterial infection, according to figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). But also in France The number of serious illnesses is many times higher than in the same period before the pandemic, the WHO and ECDC said.

The situation in Germany is comparatively good. That
The Robert Koch Institute writes in a statement on Thursday
that since October there has been an “unusually pronounced increase for the time of year” in group A strep in German medical practices and hospitals. However, the total number of pathogen detections is still below the level of pre-pandemic years. More good news: according to the RKI, “severe courses are currently not observed disproportionately more frequently.”

Why is the increase?

Based on preliminary findings, WHO experts do not assume that the increase was caused by a new variant of group A strep. Antibiotic resistance is probably not the cause either. According to the RKI, the increase could be related to the now very common respiratory diseases, such as RSV and influenza. A respiratory infection increases the risk of a further strep infection.

It is not yet possible to definitively determine why the increase in individual countries is so much higher. However, the UK government has recently admitted for the first time that there is a shortage of antibiotics for children. However, now there is an emergency regulation.

How does a strep infection manifest?

“Strep disease usually presents with a sore throat and Fever perceptible. A strep infection is not alarming at first,” explained pediatrician Jakob Maske to the portal ”
BR24
“. “She can be presented to an outpatient pediatrician in peace.”

When and why is strep infection dangerous?

In reality, strep infections usually only cause mild illness, such as scarlet fever, and can be well treated with antibiotics. However, in rare cases, serious complications can occur.

Exactly these complications are then dangerous, according to Maske. They occur because strep produce toxins. In very rare cases, this can lead to so-called strep toxic shock syndrome (STSS). stimulate out loud
RKI guide
Superantigens in up to 20 percent of T cells. Shock and multiple organ failure result in 30 percent of all STSS cases being fatal.

As other complications after a strep A infection, the pediatrician mentions damage to the inner wall of the heart and the resulting heart valve defects, kidney damage, or even minor chorea, that is, a movement disorder with psychiatric changes.

Caused by group A streptococci. What is scarlet fever?

“Scarlet fever is considered a classic disease of childhood and is one of the most common bacterial infectious diseases in this age group,” writes the information portal.
“Infection Protection.de”
the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA). The scarlet fever bacterium, called strep A, is found throughout the world and typically causes a sore throat and rash.

“The bacteria can form toxins, the so-called toxins,” he says. If a patient has survived the disease, he is protected from the respective toxin of the pathogen in the future. But that doesn’t mean patients can only get scarlet fever once. Because bacteria can form different toxins and thus infect a person several times.

Since scarlet fever is highly contagious, the disease “occurs repeatedly in community facilities such as kindergartens or schools, especially in the colder months between October and March.”

How does scarlet fever manifest?

The most common symptoms at the onset of the disease are considered

• headache
• Sore throat
• swallowing difficulties
• chills and
• fever that rises rapidly

“There is also the possibility of abdominal pain and vomiting. The palate and throat are red, the tonsils are swollen and may have a white coating. The lymph nodes in the neck swell considerably,” continues dieB BzgA.

A day or two after the onset of the disease, a non-itchy rash can also spread to the entire body through the armpits, chest, and groin. However, the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet are left out. While the cheeks are very red, the skin around the mouth is pale. “The rash goes away after six to nine days,” he said. A few days later, the skin sloughs off, especially on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.

The so-called “raspberry tongue” is also typical for scarlet fever: the tongue is initially white, but then reddens to a raspberry color after a few days.

How is scarlet fever treated?

Usually turns into scarlet fever
treated with antibiotics.
This shortens infection time and reduces complications. “Be sure to follow the recommended duration of intake, even if symptoms improve in the meantime,” the BzgA also advises. If therapy is terminated prematurely, relapse or long-term effects may occur.

This also plays a role in the risk of infection: “If scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics, there is no longer a risk of infection 24 hours after the first dose. Without antibiotic therapy, patients are contagious for up to 3 weeks after the first symptom”.

How is scarlet fever transmitted?

People can spread scarlet fever without realizing it. According to the BzgA, every fifth to tenth person carries the pathogen, mainly in the throat. If the person talks, coughs or sneezes, the pathogens are released into the air via droplets and can stick to the mucous membranes of people in contact when inhaled. In very rare cases, pathogens can also attach to and be transmitted through objects.