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Source: http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2496713
Strep outbreak has killed three
HEALTH: Eight confirmed cases of invasive Group A Streptococcal reported in city, county
Posted By ANDREA HOUSTON , EXAMINER STAFF WRITER
The Peterborough County- City Health Unit is investigating a local outbreak of a potentially deadly bacteria that has already caused the deaths of three people, said Peterborough's medical officer of health.
There have been eight confirmed cases of invasive Group A Streptococcal (iGAS), reported from Dec. 26 to March 1, said medical officer of health Dr. Rosana Pellizzari.
That is twice the number of cases expected for this period of time, she said.
Of those eight local cases, three have died, she said.
"They were all adults, so no children," she said. "About half are women, half men. In some of the cases, death was rapid."
The ages of the local cases range from early 30s to early 70s, she said.
"All three of the deaths occurred in people who had underlying chronic health conditions," she said. "The bacteria has the ability to evade the immune system and move quickly.
"It produces toxins that can cause a great deal of damage to the body..."
Strep outbreak has killed three
HEALTH: Eight confirmed cases of invasive Group A Streptococcal reported in city, county
Posted By ANDREA HOUSTON , EXAMINER STAFF WRITER
The Peterborough County- City Health Unit is investigating a local outbreak of a potentially deadly bacteria that has already caused the deaths of three people, said Peterborough's medical officer of health.
There have been eight confirmed cases of invasive Group A Streptococcal (iGAS), reported from Dec. 26 to March 1, said medical officer of health Dr. Rosana Pellizzari.
That is twice the number of cases expected for this period of time, she said.
Of those eight local cases, three have died, she said.
"They were all adults, so no children," she said. "About half are women, half men. In some of the cases, death was rapid."
The ages of the local cases range from early 30s to early 70s, she said.
"All three of the deaths occurred in people who had underlying chronic health conditions," she said. "The bacteria has the ability to evade the immune system and move quickly.
"It produces toxins that can cause a great deal of damage to the body..."