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- Ελληνικά
The Medical and Public Health Services of the Ministry of Health wish to inform the public about group A streptococcus and the protective measures that should be taken.
Who does group A streptococcus affect?
Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus is the main cause of microbial pharyngomyelitis. It most commonly affects children aged 5-15 years, although it can occur in younger children and adults.
How is group A streptococcus transmitted?
Streptococcus is transmitted by close contact with an infected person (mainly during acute infection) via the respiratory tract (coughing, sneezing) or through a wound. The expected time of onset of symptoms from contact is 2-5 days.
What does group A streptococcus cause?
It causes infections of the skin, soft tissues and respiratory tract. It is responsible for infections such as tonsillitis, scarlet fever and infectious wax. These infections are rarely severe and symptoms subside with medication. Rarely, it can cause severe invasive infections (septicaemia, meningitis).
What should parents watch out for?
Strep infections cause various symptoms such as sore throat, fever, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea and the appearance of a red rash and red spots on the tongue in case of scarlet fever. If your child becomes unwell, you should contact your personal doctor immediately.
Contact your doctor immediately if:
- Your child's symptoms show no improvement
- Your child is eating less than normal
- Your child is showing signs of dehydration
- Your baby is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38℃ or higher or is older than 3 months old and has a temperature of 39℃ or higher
- Your child seems very tired or irritable
Protective measures
- Good hand hygiene
- Adherence to personal hygiene measures
- Avoid crowding indoors
- Children who develop respiratory symptoms are recommended as they remain
- Avoiding the use of common household utensils
- Ventilation of the room
(DK)
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