Following the deaths of 16 children in the ongoingStrepAoutbreak, a leading testing专家warns that testing and other measures should be used first in affected schools ratherthantheantibioticnuclear option.
例Streptococcus A, commonly known asStrepA, are multiplying across the UK. 16 children have died so far from complications linked to the bacterial infection. However, a leading testing专家has warned it’s vital the Government doesn’t makeknee–jerkreactions that could make a bad situation worse.
The leading testing专家, Dr Quinton Fivelman, PhD, chief scientific officer atLondon Medical Laboratory, says: “Testing and observation are far safer ways of controllingStrepA’s spreadthanindiscriminately giving antibiotics as a preventative measure.”
“This early start to theStrepA season is thought likely to be a side-effect of easingCovid restrictions.Morepeople mixing meansmoreinfections being transmitted. These tragic deaths show how dangerousStrepA can be. It can cause scarlet fever outbreaks and, in relatively rare cases, potentially lethal invasive group-A streptococcal infection (iGAS).”
“There have been 2.3 cases of iGAS per 100,000 children aged one to four, compared to an average of 0.5 before the Covid pandemic. However, it’s important to keep in mind that, in most cases,StrepA is mild, often causing littlemorethana sore throat. Many people have it without knowing and come to noharm.”
“Last week, health minister Lord Markham stated in the House of Lords: “We have given instructions to doctors that, where necessary, they should be proactively prescribing penicillin as the best line of defence on this, and also where there is a spread in primary schools, which we know is the primary vector for this, whether they should be working with local health protection teams, and sometimes actually look at the use of antibiotics on a prophylactic basis.”
“However laudable the Minister’s intentions, using antibiotics such as penicillin as a prophylactic – that is, as a precautionary measure ratherthanto treat a diagnosed case – is mistaken.”
“It’s effectively a nuclear option, a decision of final resort. Takingantibioticstoo often can change bacteria so much that they stop working against them. This is called bacterial resistance orantibioticresistance. Some bacteria are now resistant to even the most powerful antibiotics available.”
“The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls this “one of the world’s most pressing public health problems”. Others have stated that this is now a global problem that could be described as a silent pandemic.”
“Using blanketantibiotictreatmentsacross a whole school could be a significant misstep. Those children whodonot fully complete a course of antibiotics could help this bacteria grow stronger.”
“Already,researchindicates some patients have developed resistance to certain antibiotics, such as azithromycin and clarithromycin, used to treatStrepA. This is a particular concern for those people who are allergic to penicillin and can only take alternative antibiotics.”
“Increased testing and close observation of children in affected schools and communities, both by health professionals and parents, will bemoreeffective and less liable to exacerbateStrepA’s spread.”
Early signsmayinclude:
- High temperature
- Swollen glands
- Sore throat
- Rash, often on the stomach
- Muscle aches
- Flushed cheeks
- Swollen tongue
StrepA cases can lead to scarlet fever
- Rough skin rash
- Flu-like symptoms
- High temperature
In rare cases, the bacteria can cause invasive group-A streptococcal infection (iGAS). Early warning signs include:
- Fever – a temperature above 38C
- Severe muscle aches
“Close observation of anyone who has been in contact withStrepA cases, together with comprehensive testing, is the most effective, least-risk option to fight its spread.”
“With widespreadStrepA testing not yet easily available, a general health test might be a useful course of action for anyone concerned to ensure they are ingoodhealth to help fightinfections. London Medical Laboratory’s Health Profile Test provides people with a comprehensive check-up of their general health, including vitamin D levels, diabetes (HbA1c), liver and kidney function, full blood count, bone health, iron levels and a full cholesterol profile.”
“It can be taken at home through the post or at one of the many drop-in clinics that offer this test across London and nationwide in over 85 selected pharmacies and health stores.”
