Local health authorities are urging heightened awareness regarding invasive Group A strep infections in the Huron Perth region.
Dr. Miriam Klassen, Medical Officer of Health, sheds light on the current situation and the necessary precautions.
Group A streptococcus is known to be more prevalent in the winter.
Dr. Klassen says that while some sickness is inevitable, it’s best to prevent it as much as possible | Photo submitted
It spreads through direct contact, including wound secretions, respiratory droplets, and skin-to-skin contact. In rare cases, it leads to severe or life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia and toxic shock syndrome.
Dr. Klassen notes the challenges in tracking routine strep infections but emphasizes that invasive Group A strep is reportable. Two cases have been reported in the area since October, prompting Huron-Perth Public Health to issue a memo urging local health professionals to be vigilant.
The highest risk groups include individuals over 60, pregnant and postpartum women, children, immune-compromised individuals, those with skin conditions, recent viral infections, and the unhoused or homeless.
Recognizing the symptoms of invasive strep is crucial. Prolonged fevers, lethargy, poor consciousness, rash, and disproportionate pain in soft tissue infections are red flags. Dr. Klassen encourages parents to seek medical attention if their child appears unusually sick.
In the absence of a vaccine, preventive measures recommended by local health authorities include general health advice for cold and flu seasons. Dr. Klassen underscores the importance of mask-wearing, hand hygiene, cleaning high-touch surfaces, and staying home when sick.
Co-infections are common, with a reduced immune response to strep A if you’ve had a recent illness. Because of this, it’s reccomended that you keep up to date with vaccination against chickenpox, flu and COVID.
Written by: B. Shakyaver