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Source: https://www.denverpost.com/2022/12/15/severe-strep-a-infections-colorado-children-deaths/
Severe strep A infections linked to deaths of two Colorado children
Unusual number of “invasive” cases reported since November
By Meg Wingerter | mwingerter@denverpost.com | The Denver Post
PUBLISHED: December 15, 2022 at 3:39 p.m. | UPDATED: December 15, 2022 at 6:16 p.m.
Colorado has seen more severe strep cases than usual since November, and two children’s deaths have been linked to the infections.
The children’s death certificates haven’t been finalized, so it’s not confirmed whether their Group A streptococcus infections were the cause of death, state epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy said. Both were not yet old enough for school.
Most Group A streptococcus infections are mild, causing what’s popularly called strep throat. Less frequently, the bacteria can cause scarlet fever, which involves a rash and can lead to organ damage if untreated.
The state only tracks strep A infections, which are more severe than strep throat or scarlet fever, Herlihy said. In “invasive” infections, the bacteria move into the lungs, the bloodstream, the nervous system or the tissues surrounding a wound.
Typically, the state averages one or two invasive strep A infections in a month, but there have been 11 reported in the Denver area since the start of November, she said. (The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment doesn’t track strep A infections statewide.)
The last time a Colorado child died of invasive strep A was in 2018...
Severe strep A infections linked to deaths of two Colorado children
Unusual number of “invasive” cases reported since November
By Meg Wingerter | mwingerter@denverpost.com | The Denver Post
PUBLISHED: December 15, 2022 at 3:39 p.m. | UPDATED: December 15, 2022 at 6:16 p.m.
Colorado has seen more severe strep cases than usual since November, and two children’s deaths have been linked to the infections.
The children’s death certificates haven’t been finalized, so it’s not confirmed whether their Group A streptococcus infections were the cause of death, state epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy said. Both were not yet old enough for school.
Most Group A streptococcus infections are mild, causing what’s popularly called strep throat. Less frequently, the bacteria can cause scarlet fever, which involves a rash and can lead to organ damage if untreated.
The state only tracks strep A infections, which are more severe than strep throat or scarlet fever, Herlihy said. In “invasive” infections, the bacteria move into the lungs, the bloodstream, the nervous system or the tissues surrounding a wound.
Typically, the state averages one or two invasive strep A infections in a month, but there have been 11 reported in the Denver area since the start of November, she said. (The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment doesn’t track strep A infections statewide.)
The last time a Colorado child died of invasive strep A was in 2018...