The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Center for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) have warned European countries to beware of serious infections caused by a bacterium called group A streptococcus (Strep A) in children under the age of 10. The notice was delivered on Monday (12/12/2022).
WHO and ECDC have called on European countries to raise awareness of infections that have been endemic since September 2022. At the same time, other respiratory diseases such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and seasonal influenza are also on the rise.
Streptococcal bacteria usually cause mild illnesses such as fever, sore throat and headache. However, this disease can also be life-threatening, known as invasive group A streptococcal disease (iGAS).
In addition to European countries, Streptococcus A has also been reported as an epidemic in the United States. Last week, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) looked into the possibility of increasing Strep A infections in children across the country.
Several iGAS-related deaths in children under the age of 10 were also reported in several European countries during this period, according to statements by WHO and ECDC. The latest data in England, 16 children died of this disease.
Watch a video “Six children in England die from strep A bacterial infection“
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