In Germany, the streptococci wave continues.
We explain the course of the disease and the symptoms after a droplet infection.
There is a problem.
Hamm - The bacteria spread quickly and linger in the human body for a long time.
Children up to the age of seven are particularly affected by an infection.
Since the beginning of the year, pediatricians have been struggling with an unusually high number of people infected with scarlet fever.
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has now also pointed out increased bacterial infections of the respiratory tract by group A streptococci.
How do parents recognize the symptoms?
Streptococcus wave: These are the symptoms and the course of the disease
A streptococcal infection is by no means new territory for physicians.
The disease, which is widespread worldwide, is one of the most common infections in childhood, reports wa.de. But in 2023 the number of diseases will be particularly high.
"In my practice, I now examine almost 30 percent of patients for scarlet fever," says Pedro Garcia ,
spokesman for the pediatrician network in Münster, to
wa.de.
The problem: If you have gone through a streptococcal infection, you then have no immunity.
Adults can also become infected and may be particularly at risk.
Repeated illness is possible.
In March 2023, too, the number of cases of illness increased.
The exact number of infections is unknown, especially since streptococcus cases are not reportable by doctors, reports wa.de.
Strep Infection: Symptoms and Treatment Explained
The incubation period for a streptococcal infection is extremely short at two to four days.
Those infected remain contagious for up to three weeks.
During this time, some symptoms can be identified:
nausea
Vomit
chills
high fever
Sore throat
flushed face
skin rash
In the case of an infection with streptococci, various clinical pictures can occur, including scarlet fever.
The contagious disease via droplet infection can be treated with medication.
As little as 24 hours after taking penicillin, the infected person can be considered no longer contagious.
But there is a big problem right now.
"Recently I was on the phone with a family who didn't get any penicillin even at the ninth pharmacy," said Michael Achenbach from the professional association of paediatricians. Not an isolated case, as Achenbach explained further.
Those affected may have to prepare themselves for a long search.
Basically, infected people should be isolated.
Streptococcal infection can be treated quickly.
Depending on the course of the disease and symptoms, the human body needs a lot of rest.
Rubric list image: © Science Photo Library/Imago
