There are already 16 deaths: they warn of an increase in the number of infections with a bacterium that causes pharyngitis.
Portfolio led by Carla Vizzotti reported that there were 118 confirmed cases of invasive Streptococcus Pyogenes infection, which is responsible for 500,000 annual deaths worldwide.
Increased infection with a bacterium that causes pharyngitis
The nation’s health ministry warned in a statement of an increase in cases of a bacterium that commonly causes strep throat and has killed at least 16 people a year. This is Streptococcus pyogenes, which usually also causes skin infections such as impetigo, cellulitis, and scarlet fever.
With the advent of winter and the desire of people to be closer and in confined spaces, the likelihood of contracting various infections and diseases increases. One of them is associated with the aforementioned bacterium, which is spread by coughing, sneezing or contact with a wound.
“During 2023, the National Health Surveillance System (SNVS) was notified of 118 confirmed cases of invasive Streptococcus Pyogenes infection nationwide, of which 16 died,” said a statement from a portfolio led by Carla Vizzotti, who is the province of Buenos Aires. . , the area with the most cases: 35. It is followed by Santa Fe with 20, Chubut with 10 and Tierra del Fuego with 10.
The report details that it is a bacterial infection that in most cases causes mild illnesses such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, impetigo, cellulitis and scarlet fever, although it warns that in some cases it can lead to acute and severe symptoms that can cause life-threatening conditions responsible for over 500,000 deaths annually worldwide.
In the country, the ministry indicated that there has been special surveillance for the bacterium since 2018 and that there has been an almost exponential increase in cases in recent years. “In previous years (2019-2022), the highest number of cases was in 2022 (closed year) with 75 reported cases. The number of cases in 2023 is 281% higher than in the same period in 2019.”
However, the problem concerns not only Argentina, the World Health Organization has reported about it. “WHO reported that at least five Member States in the European Region (France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland) reported an increase in cases.”
Given that the incubation period “varies depending on the clinical picture, from one to three days. Treating infected individuals with antibiotics for at least 24 hours usually eliminates their ability to spread.
pharyngitis symptoms
• Sore throat
• Heat
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Redness of the throat and tonsils
• Bad breath
• Enlarged nodes on the neck
Recommendations and what to do
• Proper hand and personal hygiene can help control transmission.
• Avoid self-medication with antibiotics and see a doctor for a timely diagnosis.
• If medically indicated for antibiotic treatment, a schedule must be completed.
• Keep your flu and Covid-19 vaccinations up to date.
(Nation)