Alert causes healthcares and school communities The vertical increase in streptococcus outbreaks in elementary schools and kindergartens across the country. The first incidents were identified in Primary Schools in Kalamaria and Oreokastro Thessaloniki, and then similar phenomena They appeared in Serres, Heraklion Crete, Chaniaas well as in its suburbs Attica, such as Peristeri and Agia Paraskevi. Although most cases involve mild infections (pharyngoamidalitis, shellfish), at least 12 schools suspended their operation for 2-5 days for preventive disinfection.
ENTRY FOR STRONGOKUS BUILD: “No epidemic – to stop exaggeration”
In spite of reassuring assurances of EYE, Several schools have prevented closure, triggering a new round of discussions about the balance of prevention and exaggeration.
For his part, however, the president of the EYE, Christos Hadjichristodoulouhe says that schools do not need to be closed or disinfect.
“It is understandable for municipalities and parents wanting to do something to protect their children, but they will not protect and they are certain. And they can even expose them. So she doesn’t have to close school, no disinfection is needed, she doesn’t benefit at all, she can do bad. Prayer: To stop closing schools and stop disinfection, “Mr Hadjichristodoulou told ERT.
«What do we need to do if we have a case in a class? First, the case must remain at home at least 24 hours after taking antibiotics to stop broadcasting and then going to school. At school enhanced individual hygiene such as hand washing, avoiding children sharing objects and increased cleanliness, “he added.
“Is it a place to close school with one or more outbreaks of streptococcus in a class? No he has no place. To explain why: Streptococcus, meningitis, do not survive in the environment, do not survive on surfaces. If you remember about Covid we said he survives a little on the surfaces. This germ does not survive, it needs the body to do it, “he said.
According to the president of EU, “If we are talking about a penetrating form of streptococcus, the child is very fallen. It starts with sore throat and fever and makes high fever. So parents the next thing to do, if we have cases in a school, be alert and with the slightest symptom in their pediatrician. So are teachers and teachers. “
THE Christos Hadjichristodoulou It also divides the cases into serious and less seriously: “The serious ones are very heavy and evolve in a very fast time and have a 25%mortality. If you remember last year we had two deaths in Ilia last year, ”he recalls.
The views of infectious people
Streptococcus outbreaks explosion: Th.
Epidemiology Professor of Epidemiology, Theodora Psaltopoulou, spoke today to Alpha Radio 98,9 and to the journalist Nikos Panagiotopoulos, analyzing symptoms and medical instructions on Recent Incidents of Streptococcus, as well as the decision to close schools where cases were found.
OR K. Psaltopoulou He explained that Streptococcus, a common bacterium, can offend not only children but also adults, pregnant women and the elderly. “The symptoms that should worry about us are fever with chill, falling, vomiting, leading us directly to the pediatrician,” the teacher said. He stressed that in rare cases, streptococcus can cause a penetrating form of the disease by attacking vital organs and leading to septicemia, which Unfortunately it cost life to a five -year -old child.
As far as It concerns the precautionary measures, Mrs Psaltopoulou He emphasized the importance of disinfection and the proper ventilation of the premises, while pointing to the need to avoid synchronization. The streptococci It is transmitted through respiratory droplets, skin contacts and through objects.
On the decision to close schools, the professor said: “We say medically that disinfection and isolation of the incidents and a decrease in synchronization in the departments that have been needed.”
Mayorkin: Common germ the streptococcus, 5-10% of the population has it
In turn, Professor of Health and Epidemiology of the Medical School of the University of Athens, Gikas Mayorkin Speaking to ERT, he stressed that Streptococcus is a fairly common germ. 5-10% has it on his neck without causing him a problem. While and when it causes a problem this is classical tonsillitis.
‘Soreyard without a foul or a runny nose but with fever is a picture of streptococcal infection’ noted Mr. Majorkinis Referring to the symptoms and stressed that “the evaluation of a child with streptococcus is whether it has swollen tonsils or has some other symptoms, such as shellfish, because it causes shellfish.” “Fever is the main element and swollen tonsils,” he said, adding that a child who will do the penetrating infection cannot be predicted, which can even evolve within a few hours.
Additional He added that “the child seems to be an invasive infection. It’s a heavy situation. You don’t even know if it will evolve, but the chances of it evolve, which as I told you 5 10% of the population carry it “, adding that” it is not something that is rare and not circulating … From 5-10% a very small percentage will do it. “
What is Streptococcus A and why is it causing concern
THE Group A Streptococcus (GAS) It is a common bacterium. Many of us bring the bacterium to our throat and skin without developing symptoms of infection (stretchers of the pathogen). However, this pathogen can in some cases cause infection, mild or even more severe.
Gas -related infections come from the Group A (IGAS) penetrating streptococci. These infections are caused when the bacteria are transferred to parts of the body where they are normally not detected, as in the lungs or elsewhere through blood circulation.
How is the Streptococcus of Group A broadcast?
Group A streptococcus is transmitted by close contact with an infected person through cough and sneezing or by a wound. Some people are likely to carry the bacteria without feeling unwell or have symptoms of an infection while being able to transmit them. The risk of spreading is much greater when a person has symptoms.
What infections does the Group A Streptococcus;
Group A streptococci causes infections to the skin, soft tissues and respiratory tract. It is responsible for infections such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, shellfish and infectious candle among others.
What should parents take care of?
Streptococcus infections cause various symptoms such as sore throat, fever, chills and muscle aches. If your child is sick, you should contact your doctor.
Contact your doctor if:
- The child’s symptoms do not show improvement
- Your child eats less than normal
- Your child shows signs of dehydration
- Your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38 ℃ or is greater than 3 months and has a temperature of 39 ℃ or higher
- Your child looks very tired or irritable
How can we stop the spread of infections?
Good hand hygiene and compliance with personal protection measures is important to stop the spread of the pathogen. By teaching your child how to properly wash his hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, to use coughing tissue and sneezing and stay away from others when he feels unwell, reduce the risk of transmitting and disease from infections.
In and the rise of streptococcal infections raises concern in the school communities, but experts emphasize that it is not an epidemic, but an expected seasonal phenomenon. Cooling approach, compliance with hygiene guidelines and parent -school – doctors cooperation can limit the spread, without unnecessary panic.