At the beginning of this year, according to the RIVM, “many reports” of ‘fasciitis necroticans’ were still being made. This is the death of tissue as a result of an infection with the so-called group A streptococci (GAS), or flesh-eating bacteria. There were 23 reports in January, and 16 in February.
The GAS bacteria usually does not lead to anything serious, but in some cases it can cause all kinds of diseases. Doctors already had to report fasciitis necroticans when they encountered it, but since January 19 they have been obliged to report more diseases caused by the GAS bacteria. In February, 135 reports of such other diseases were received, such as pneumonia or pneumonia, blood poisoning or inflammation of the skin, joints or bones, says the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).
Adults
Since the spring of 2022, the number of cases of serious infections has been higher than in other years. Last spring, young children in particular were affected, but in December the number of reports among adults also increased. If such a disease is reported, GGDs can give antibiotics to people who live with someone who is infected.
Corona measures
How it is possible that more people than usual become seriously ill from an infection with group A streptococcus is not clear. It is known that people who, for example, have a virus or chickenpox among their members, sometimes have a greater chance of a serious course of an infection with the streptococcal bacteria. “It may also be that more people are susceptible to the bacteria or to those viruses,” writes the RIVM. “This may be because in recent years people have come into less contact with viruses and bacteria due to the corona measures.” (AP)
