Strep cases rise as students return to school: What symptoms to watch out for
Cases tend to rise when children return to school. The bacteria can cause anything from a sore throat and scarlet fever to serious illnesses in rare cases.
Streptococcus bacteria (File photo)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported an increase in Group A streptococcal activity nationwide, coinciding with children's return to school after summer break.
In its update this week, the agency noted that reports of these infections "are beginning to increase" nationwide. Data on emergency department visits also show a spike in cases related to strep throat and scarlet fever, two illnesses caused by this bacterium.
Group A streptococcus—streptococcus pyogenes—can cause various types of infections. Among the most common are throat infections, scarlet fever and certain skin infections.
The CDC explains that respiratory infections caused by group A streptococcus can occur year-round, although they are more common during the winter and early spring. In the United States, reports typically reach their lowest levels during the summer and begin to rise when children return to school.
Who is at highest risk?
Strep throat is especially common among school-age children. Close contact with an infected person is the main risk factor.
Schools and daycare centers are among the places where transmission is most likely due to frequent contact between people. Parents of school-aged children and other adults who have regular contact with children are also at higher risk.
In the case of scarlet fever, the CDC notes that it is most common among children aged 5 to 15 and rare in children under 3.
Most group A streptococcal infections are mild. However, the bacteria can also cause much more serious illnesses, including streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and necrotizing fasciitis, commonly known as "flesh-eating" disease.
Older adults and people with certain underlying medical conditions are at higher risk of developing severe forms of the infection.
What are the symptoms of a strep throat infection?
Among the symptoms that may appear include:
- A sore throat that may come on suddenly
- Pain when swallowing
- Fever
- Red and swollen tonsils
- White spots or pus-filled patches on the tonsils
- Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck
When the infection causes scarlet fever, one of its characteristic signs is a reddish rash that may feel similar to sandpaper.
The CDC notes that patients may also experience fever, sore throat, headache or body aches, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The tongue may later take on a red and rough appearance, known as "strawberry tongue."
Health
FDA approves a daily pill for metastatic pancreatic cancer: Here's what we know
Williams Perdomo
How is it transmitted?
Group A streptococcus bacteria are contagious and can spread through close contact with an infected person.
To reduce the risk, the CDC recommends washing your hands frequently with soap and water, covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, and avoiding sharing glasses, utensils or food with sick people.
The agency also advises seeking medical care when an infection is suspected. Healthcare providers can perform tests to determine whether the patient has strep and, when appropriate, treat the infection with antibiotics.
In confirmed cases of strep throat, the CDC recommends that patients not return to school, daycare or work until they are fever-free and at least 12 to 24 hours have passed since the start of appropriate antibiotic treatment.
Despite the increase in strep, the overall incidence of acute respiratory illnesses leading Americans to seek medical care remained at a very low level nationwide, according to the latest CDC data.
LATEST
