More and more people in Australia are facing a flesh-eating bacterial infection that carries with it a risk of death or permanent impairment.

This infection is known as Strep A, and according to research from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI), the number of children requiring hospital admission due to the infection is on the rise.

The bacterium, group A streptococcus, is responsible for killing as many as 500,000 people every year and can be especially dangerous for young children.

This was a lesson Sandeep Kaur learned the hard way.

Kaur's one-year-old daughter, Gursirat, was left fighting for her life after being infected with Strep A earlier this year.

Cases of a bacterial infection known as Strep A are surging across Australia. Credit: Pexels/Edward Jenner.

The child was diagnosed with kidney failure, a liver infection, and necrosis on seven of her fingertips—all results of the disease taking hold. It was a traumatic experience, one that Kaur described as 'difficult', with Gursirat needing two operations and twelve days of dialysis.

Fortunately, Gursirat's fingertips were saved. However, Kaur still hopes that technology, in the form of a vaccine, will be developed soon so that no other family has to go through this situation.

But what is Strep A, and what makes it so dangerous?

Strep A bacterial infections are quite common during childhood, usually resulting in short and minor illnesses that can be treated with antibiotics. These bacteria spread through close contact, such as sneezing, coughing, or contact with an infected wound.

However, in rare and seemingly random instances, Strep A infections can lead to a severe condition called invasive group A streptococcal disease (iGAS). This serious illness can cause complications like sepsis, tissue damage, amputations, and even death.

While still uncommon, the number of cases of invasive Strep A has increased over time. For instance, in Australia, the rate of this condition has risen from 3.7 cases per 100,000 children in 2018 to 5.2 cases per 100,000 children in the third quarter of 2022, according to a study published in the Lancet Regional Health. In 2020, there were 23 cases of this condition in children, which increased to 107 cases in 2022.

Because of the rise in cases, experts in infectious diseases are urging for more funding and a sense of urgency in developing a Strep A vaccine for vulnerable groups like young children, seniors, pregnant women, and Indigenous Australians, who are more prone to experiencing severe complications from Strep A infections.

While a vaccine for this infection might not be available yet, the most reliable method to avoid contracting or transmitting Group A Strep is by practising frequent handwashing. This is particularly crucial after coughing, sneezing, and before handling food or eating.

Dr Yara-Natalie Abo from Murdoch Children's Research Institute pointed out that even though there are variations in seasons and viruses that are active, the increase in cases observed in Australia closely resembled the patterns seen in the northern hemisphere.

She explained, 'Increases in Strep A cases have been reported around the world, occurring during, and outside of, typical spring peaks. This increase is likely due to a combination of environmental factors and viruses in circulation, and more research is needed into whether new strains might be responsible.'

A team of researchers in Melbourne is working relentlessly to find a solution for this infection.

They are launching trials involving fifty participants who will receive a candidate vaccine or a placebo, and they are also studying the link between genetics and infectious diseases. They are utilising advanced equipment and algorithms to identify the genes that could be used in treatment or vaccination.

At the root of this study is the mission to roll out a vaccine that will 'save hundreds of thousands of lives every year and prevent millions of infections that send children and adults to the hospital or doctor'.

Key Takeaways

• Cases of a flesh-eating bacterial infection known as Strep A are surging across Australia, with researchers working on a vaccine.
• The number of children admitted to hospital with the infection rose from 23 in 2020 to 107 in 2022.
• The bacterium Strep A, commonly found in the throat and on the skin, can be deadly and cause permanent disabilities if it develops into invasive Strep A.
• There is currently no vaccine to prevent Strep A, but a group in Melbourne is conducting trials in hopes of accelerating the development.

Strep A is a severe infection that requires serious attention. It's important to consult your GP to learn about the most effective preventive steps you can take.

Stay safe and well, folks! Share your thoughts in the comments below.

 

[Cher]

Group A streptococcal infections can affect anyone since the bacteria easily spreads from person to person. The bacteria is spread by direct contact with nose and throat discharges of an infected individual or with infected skin lesions. The risk of spread is greatest when an individual is ill, such as when people have strep throat or an infected wound.

 

[Rickcb63]

More and more people in Australia are facing a flesh-eating bacterial infection that carries with it a risk of death or permanent impairment.

This infection is known as Strep A, and according to research from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI), the number of children requiring hospital admission due to the infection is on the rise.

The bacterium, group A streptococcus, is responsible for killing as many as 500,000 people every year and can be especially dangerous for young children.

This was a lesson Sandeep Kaur learned the hard way.

Kaur's one-year-old daughter, Gursirat, was left fighting for her life after being infected with Strep A earlier this year.

View attachment 28218

Cases of a bacterial infection known as Strep A are surging across Australia. Credit: Pexels/Edward Jenner.

The child was diagnosed with kidney failure, a liver infection, and necrosis on seven of her fingertips—all results of the disease taking hold. It was a traumatic experience, one that Kaur described as 'difficult', with Gursirat needing two operations and twelve days of dialysis.

Fortunately, Gursirat's fingertips were saved. However, Kaur still hopes that technology, in the form of a vaccine, will be developed soon so that no other family has to go through this situation.

But what is Strep A, and what makes it so dangerous?

Strep A bacterial infections are quite common during childhood, usually resulting in short and minor illnesses that can be treated with antibiotics. These bacteria spread through close contact, such as sneezing, coughing, or contact with an infected wound.

However, in rare and seemingly random instances, Strep A infections can lead to a severe condition called invasive group A streptococcal disease (iGAS). This serious illness can cause complications like sepsis, tissue damage, amputations, and even death.

While still uncommon, the number of cases of invasive Strep A has increased over time. For instance, in Australia, the rate of this condition has risen from 3.7 cases per 100,000 children in 2018 to 5.2 cases per 100,000 children in the third quarter of 2022, according to a study published in the Lancet Regional Health. In 2020, there were 23 cases of this condition in children, which increased to 107 cases in 2022.

Because of the rise in cases, experts in infectious diseases are urging for more funding and a sense of urgency in developing a Strep A vaccine for vulnerable groups like young children, seniors, pregnant women, and Indigenous Australians, who are more prone to experiencing severe complications from Strep A infections.

While a vaccine for this infection might not be available yet, the most reliable method to avoid contracting or transmitting Group A Strep is by practising frequent handwashing. This is particularly crucial after coughing, sneezing, and before handling food or eating.

Dr Yara-Natalie Abo from Murdoch Children's Research Institute pointed out that even though there are variations in seasons and viruses that are active, the increase in cases observed in Australia closely resembled the patterns seen in the northern hemisphere.

She explained, 'Increases in Strep A cases have been reported around the world, occurring during, and outside of, typical spring peaks. This increase is likely due to a combination of environmental factors and viruses in circulation, and more research is needed into whether new strains might be responsible.'

A team of researchers in Melbourne is working relentlessly to find a solution for this infection.

They are launching trials involving fifty participants who will receive a candidate vaccine or a placebo, and they are also studying the link between genetics and infectious diseases. They are utilising advanced equipment and algorithms to identify the genes that could be used in treatment or vaccination.

At the root of this study is the mission to roll out a vaccine that will 'save hundreds of thousands of lives every year and prevent millions of infections that send children and adults to the hospital or doctor'.

Key Takeaways

• Cases of a flesh-eating bacterial infection known as Strep A are surging across Australia, with researchers working on a vaccine.
• The number of children admitted to hospital with the infection rose from 23 in 2020 to 107 in 2022.
• The bacterium Strep A, commonly found in the throat and on the skin, can be deadly and cause permanent disabilities if it develops into invasive Strep A.
• There is currently no vaccine to prevent Strep A, but a group in Melbourne is conducting trials in hopes of accelerating the development.

Strep A is a severe infection that requires serious attention. It's important to consult your GP to learn about the most effective preventive steps you can take.

Stay safe and well, folks! Share your thoughts in the comments below.

I don’t know who it is running this garbage newsletter twice everyday, but pushing the scare tactic on our older generation is criminal in my eyes !
”Flesh eating virus” running wild across Australia,,, seriously it’s been around for decades and effects children , and not loads of them !
pushing garbage to cause fear, as in another scam has emerged, so be wary of ,,,,, please Really !!
YOU ARE AS BAD AS MAINSTREAM MEDIA !!
pushing the narrative designed by the WHO group of criminals, !
Enough is enough

 

[Gazman]

More and more people in Australia are facing a flesh-eating bacterial infection that carries with it a risk of death or permanent impairment.

This infection is known as Strep A, and according to research from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI), the number of children requiring hospital admission due to the infection is on the rise.

The bacterium, group A streptococcus, is responsible for killing as many as 500,000 people every year and can be especially dangerous for young children.

This was a lesson Sandeep Kaur learned the hard way.

Kaur's one-year-old daughter, Gursirat, was left fighting for her life after being infected with Strep A earlier this year.

View attachment 28218

Cases of a bacterial infection known as Strep A are surging across Australia. Credit: Pexels/Edward Jenner.

The child was diagnosed with kidney failure, a liver infection, and necrosis on seven of her fingertips—all results of the disease taking hold. It was a traumatic experience, one that Kaur described as 'difficult', with Gursirat needing two operations and twelve days of dialysis.

Fortunately, Gursirat's fingertips were saved. However, Kaur still hopes that technology, in the form of a vaccine, will be developed soon so that no other family has to go through this situation.

But what is Strep A, and what makes it so dangerous?

Strep A bacterial infections are quite common during childhood, usually resulting in short and minor illnesses that can be treated with antibiotics. These bacteria spread through close contact, such as sneezing, coughing, or contact with an infected wound.

However, in rare and seemingly random instances, Strep A infections can lead to a severe condition called invasive group A streptococcal disease (iGAS). This serious illness can cause complications like sepsis, tissue damage, amputations, and even death.

While still uncommon, the number of cases of invasive Strep A has increased over time. For instance, in Australia, the rate of this condition has risen from 3.7 cases per 100,000 children in 2018 to 5.2 cases per 100,000 children in the third quarter of 2022, according to a study published in the Lancet Regional Health. In 2020, there were 23 cases of this condition in children, which increased to 107 cases in 2022.

Because of the rise in cases, experts in infectious diseases are urging for more funding and a sense of urgency in developing a Strep A vaccine for vulnerable groups like young children, seniors, pregnant women, and Indigenous Australians, who are more prone to experiencing severe complications from Strep A infections.

While a vaccine for this infection might not be available yet, the most reliable method to avoid contracting or transmitting Group A Strep is by practising frequent handwashing. This is particularly crucial after coughing, sneezing, and before handling food or eating.

Dr Yara-Natalie Abo from Murdoch Children's Research Institute pointed out that even though there are variations in seasons and viruses that are active, the increase in cases observed in Australia closely resembled the patterns seen in the northern hemisphere.

She explained, 'Increases in Strep A cases have been reported around the world, occurring during, and outside of, typical spring peaks. This increase is likely due to a combination of environmental factors and viruses in circulation, and more research is needed into whether new strains might be responsible.'

A team of researchers in Melbourne is working relentlessly to find a solution for this infection.

They are launching trials involving fifty participants who will receive a candidate vaccine or a placebo, and they are also studying the link between genetics and infectious diseases. They are utilising advanced equipment and algorithms to identify the genes that could be used in treatment or vaccination.

At the root of this study is the mission to roll out a vaccine that will 'save hundreds of thousands of lives every year and prevent millions of infections that send children and adults to the hospital or doctor'.

Key Takeaways

• Cases of a flesh-eating bacterial infection known as Strep A are surging across Australia, with researchers working on a vaccine.
• The number of children admitted to hospital with the infection rose from 23 in 2020 to 107 in 2022.
• The bacterium Strep A, commonly found in the throat and on the skin, can be deadly and cause permanent disabilities if it develops into invasive Strep A.
• There is currently no vaccine to prevent Strep A, but a group in Melbourne is conducting trials in hopes of accelerating the development.

Strep A is a severe infection that requires serious attention. It's important to consult your GP to learn about the most effective preventive steps you can take.

Stay safe and well, folks! Share your thoughts in the comments below.

 

[Gazman]

I wonder if there are certain ethnic groups most affected? In these cases they never delve into it far enough.

 

[Liz49]

More and more people in Australia are facing a flesh-eating bacterial infection that carries with it a risk of death or permanent impairment.

This infection is known as Strep A, and according to research from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI), the number of children requiring hospital admission due to the infection is on the rise.

The bacterium, group A streptococcus, is responsible for killing as many as 500,000 people every year and can be especially dangerous for young children.

This was a lesson Sandeep Kaur learned the hard way.

Kaur's one-year-old daughter, Gursirat, was left fighting for her life after being infected with Strep A earlier this year.

View attachment 28218

Cases of a bacterial infection known as Strep A are surging across Australia. Credit: Pexels/Edward Jenner.

The child was diagnosed with kidney failure, a liver infection, and necrosis on seven of her fingertips—all results of the disease taking hold. It was a traumatic experience, one that Kaur described as 'difficult', with Gursirat needing two operations and twelve days of dialysis.

Fortunately, Gursirat's fingertips were saved. However, Kaur still hopes that technology, in the form of a vaccine, will be developed soon so that no other family has to go through this situation.

But what is Strep A, and what makes it so dangerous?

Strep A bacterial infections are quite common during childhood, usually resulting in short and minor illnesses that can be treated with antibiotics. These bacteria spread through close contact, such as sneezing, coughing, or contact with an infected wound.

However, in rare and seemingly random instances, Strep A infections can lead to a severe condition called invasive group A streptococcal disease (iGAS). This serious illness can cause complications like sepsis, tissue damage, amputations, and even death.

While still uncommon, the number of cases of invasive Strep A has increased over time. For instance, in Australia, the rate of this condition has risen from 3.7 cases per 100,000 children in 2018 to 5.2 cases per 100,000 children in the third quarter of 2022, according to a study published in the Lancet Regional Health. In 2020, there were 23 cases of this condition in children, which increased to 107 cases in 2022.

Because of the rise in cases, experts in infectious diseases are urging for more funding and a sense of urgency in developing a Strep A vaccine for vulnerable groups like young children, seniors, pregnant women, and Indigenous Australians, who are more prone to experiencing severe complications from Strep A infections.

While a vaccine for this infection might not be available yet, the most reliable method to avoid contracting or transmitting Group A Strep is by practising frequent handwashing. This is particularly crucial after coughing, sneezing, and before handling food or eating.

Dr Yara-Natalie Abo from Murdoch Children's Research Institute pointed out that even though there are variations in seasons and viruses that are active, the increase in cases observed in Australia closely resembled the patterns seen in the northern hemisphere.

She explained, 'Increases in Strep A cases have been reported around the world, occurring during, and outside of, typical spring peaks. This increase is likely due to a combination of environmental factors and viruses in circulation, and more research is needed into whether new strains might be responsible.'

A team of researchers in Melbourne is working relentlessly to find a solution for this infection.

They are launching trials involving fifty participants who will receive a candidate vaccine or a placebo, and they are also studying the link between genetics and infectious diseases. They are utilising advanced equipment and algorithms to identify the genes that could be used in treatment or vaccination.

At the root of this study is the mission to roll out a vaccine that will 'save hundreds of thousands of lives every year and prevent millions of infections that send children and adults to the hospital or doctor'.

Key Takeaways

• Cases of a flesh-eating bacterial infection known as Strep A are surging across Australia, with researchers working on a vaccine.
• The number of children admitted to hospital with the infection rose from 23 in 2020 to 107 in 2022.
• The bacterium Strep A, commonly found in the throat and on the skin, can be deadly and cause permanent disabilities if it develops into invasive Strep A.
• There is currently no vaccine to prevent Strep A, but a group in Melbourne is conducting trials in hopes of accelerating the development.

Strep A is a severe infection that requires serious attention. It's important to consult your GP to learn about the most effective preventive steps you can take.

Stay safe and well, folks! Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Personal opinion. With all the stuff around covid we have been taught to use sanitisers all the time. This is not a good thing. We need to be wise to using anything that will strip the skin of its natural bacteria. We have bacteria living on us in a symbiotic relationship and like the good ones in the gut, once they are decreased or killed off the bad boys multiply exponentially. For the most part all hand sanitiser does is make a lot of money for the big end of town. Just using soap and water will get rid of most bugs we don't need and a bit of sunshine and playing in the dirt will strengthen kids immune systems enough to ward off the worst of the nasties in most cases

 

[Liz49]

I wonder if there are certain ethnic groups most affected? In these cases they never delve into it far enough.

That could be possible but for the most part these bugs turn up when hygiene is low. But in saying that, we don't need to use anything much more than soap and water to get rid of them. A lot of parents don't teach kids to wash hands after toileting or playing outside. Nothing wrong with playing in the dirt in the sunshine as it strengthens immune system but hand washing is best after. Due to the panic of covid we have really been taught to over use sanitisers and we are sanitising ourselves out of existence

 

[Ricki]

I don’t know who it is running this garbage newsletter twice everyday, but pushing the scare tactic on our older generation is criminal in my eyes !
”Flesh eating virus” running wild across Australia,,, seriously it’s been around for decades and effects children , and not loads of them !
pushing garbage to cause fear, as in another scam has emerged, so be wary of ,,,,, please Really !!
YOU ARE AS BAD AS MAINSTREAM MEDIA !!
pushing the narrative designed by the WHO group of criminals, !
Enough is enough

If you are so offended by the articles here, why not leave. There are those of us who are very appreciative for the info they convey.

 

[Pamsterdam]

It is very important to note that the 500,000 per year that die - is a "WORLD WIDE" figure - this coverage makes it sound like it's Australia only.

 

[Rob44]

I don’t know who it is running this garbage newsletter twice everyday, but pushing the scare tactic on our older generation is criminal in my eyes !
”Flesh eating virus” running wild across Australia,,, seriously it’s been around for decades and effects children , and not loads of them !
pushing garbage to cause fear, as in another scam has emerged, so be wary of ,,,,, please Really !!
YOU ARE AS BAD AS MAINSTREAM MEDIA !!
pushing the narrative designed by the WHO group of criminals, !
Enough is enough

Yes, Step A has been around a long time. So have other bacteria. Lasy time I heard about it MRSA is around to to point where 2000 people catch it (not that many when one considers the world's population) and 600 die from it a year. It is a prominent problem in many of Australia's hospitals because of our careless use of antibiotics and because our modern hospitals do no and I repeat do not maintain the strict hygiene standards of the British hospitals my mother trained and worked in during the days before penicillin was availble. Those were the days when junior nurses, under the eye of a Nursing Sister under the eye of a Matron were required to keep hospitals wards spotless. There is nothing like that happenng in our hospital, where nurses wear hospital uniforms home on the bus and may come to work in the same clothes. And of course we have hospitals with those nice fitted nylon/polyester carpest which cannot be kept sterile. What's wrong with vinyl?

Anyway, good luck. We all need it.

 

[IJH]

I don’t know who it is running this garbage newsletter twice everyday, but pushing the scare tactic on our older generation is criminal in my eyes !
”Flesh eating virus” running wild across Australia,,, seriously it’s been around for decades and effects children , and not loads of them !
pushing garbage to cause fear, as in another scam has emerged, so be wary of ,,,,, please Really !!
YOU ARE AS BAD AS MAINSTREAM MEDIA !!
pushing the narrative designed by the WHO group of criminals, !
Enough is enough

You can always leave the group

 

[Robbo3006]

More and more people in Australia are facing a flesh-eating bacterial infection that carries with it a risk of death or permanent impairment.

This infection is known as Strep A, and according to research from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI), the number of children requiring hospital admission due to the infection is on the rise.

The bacterium, group A streptococcus, is responsible for killing as many as 500,000 people every year and can be especially dangerous for young children.

This was a lesson Sandeep Kaur learned the hard way.

Kaur's one-year-old daughter, Gursirat, was left fighting for her life after being infected with Strep A earlier this year.

View attachment 28218

Cases of a bacterial infection known as Strep A are surging across Australia. Credit: Pexels/Edward Jenner.

The child was diagnosed with kidney failure, a liver infection, and necrosis on seven of her fingertips—all results of the disease taking hold. It was a traumatic experience, one that Kaur described as 'difficult', with Gursirat needing two operations and twelve days of dialysis.

Fortunately, Gursirat's fingertips were saved. However, Kaur still hopes that technology, in the form of a vaccine, will be developed soon so that no other family has to go through this situation.

But what is Strep A, and what makes it so dangerous?

Strep A bacterial infections are quite common during childhood, usually resulting in short and minor illnesses that can be treated with antibiotics. These bacteria spread through close contact, such as sneezing, coughing, or contact with an infected wound.

However, in rare and seemingly random instances, Strep A infections can lead to a severe condition called invasive group A streptococcal disease (iGAS). This serious illness can cause complications like sepsis, tissue damage, amputations, and even death.

While still uncommon, the number of cases of invasive Strep A has increased over time. For instance, in Australia, the rate of this condition has risen from 3.7 cases per 100,000 children in 2018 to 5.2 cases per 100,000 children in the third quarter of 2022, according to a study published in the Lancet Regional Health. In 2020, there were 23 cases of this condition in children, which increased to 107 cases in 2022.

Because of the rise in cases, experts in infectious diseases are urging for more funding and a sense of urgency in developing a Strep A vaccine for vulnerable groups like young children, seniors, pregnant women, and Indigenous Australians, who are more prone to experiencing severe complications from Strep A infections.

While a vaccine for this infection might not be available yet, the most reliable method to avoid contracting or transmitting Group A Strep is by practising frequent handwashing. This is particularly crucial after coughing, sneezing, and before handling food or eating.

Dr Yara-Natalie Abo from Murdoch Children's Research Institute pointed out that even though there are variations in seasons and viruses that are active, the increase in cases observed in Australia closely resembled the patterns seen in the northern hemisphere.

She explained, 'Increases in Strep A cases have been reported around the world, occurring during, and outside of, typical spring peaks. This increase is likely due to a combination of environmental factors and viruses in circulation, and more research is needed into whether new strains might be responsible.'

A team of researchers in Melbourne is working relentlessly to find a solution for this infection.

They are launching trials involving fifty participants who will receive a candidate vaccine or a placebo, and they are also studying the link between genetics and infectious diseases. They are utilising advanced equipment and algorithms to identify the genes that could be used in treatment or vaccination.

At the root of this study is the mission to roll out a vaccine that will 'save hundreds of thousands of lives every year and prevent millions of infections that send children and adults to the hospital or doctor'.

Key Takeaways

• Cases of a flesh-eating bacterial infection known as Strep A are surging across Australia, with researchers working on a vaccine.
• The number of children admitted to hospital with the infection rose from 23 in 2020 to 107 in 2022.
• The bacterium Strep A, commonly found in the throat and on the skin, can be deadly and cause permanent disabilities if it develops into invasive Strep A.
• There is currently no vaccine to prevent Strep A, but a group in Melbourne is conducting trials in hopes of accelerating the development.

Strep A is a severe infection that requires serious attention. It's important to consult your GP to learn about the most effective preventive steps you can take.

Stay safe and well, folks! Share your thoughts in the comments below.

They can make a vaccine for a man made covid virus in 5 minutes, they already had it, but can't make a vaccine for something killing children for decades, big pharma and the world's governments need to be put to the sword, lying scum driven by greed.

 

[Luckyus]

Group A streptococcal infections can affect anyone since the bacteria easily spreads from person to person. The bacteria is spread by direct contact with nose and throat discharges of an infected individual or with infected skin lesions. The risk of spread is greatest when an individual is ill, such as when people have strep throat or an infected wound.

The spread of this disease is one of the many reasons that those responsible for this despicable and filthy habit of spitting be charged with a significant mandatory fine, proceeds of which said fines be directly put toward finding a cure.

 

[StephenNikita]

If you are so offended by the articles here, why not leave. There are those of us who are very appreciative for the info they convey.

SHEEP

 

[magpie1]

well if it harms or potentially kills our little innocent children or the elderly in our society then I would heartily support their efforts in trying to find a vaccine to prevent it from harming people.

 

[Ricki]

SHEEP

Baaaa

 

[Da Freddo]

I don’t know who it is running this garbage newsletter twice everyday, but pushing the scare tactic on our older generation is criminal in my eyes !
”Flesh eating virus” running wild across Australia,,, seriously it’s been around for decades and effects children , and not loads of them !
pushing garbage to cause fear, as in another scam has emerged, so be wary of ,,,,, please Really !!
YOU ARE AS BAD AS MAINSTREAM MEDIA !!
pushing the narrative designed by the WHO group of criminals, !
Enough is enough

well, SDC your turn, waiting ..
James.

 

[Jan Purcell]

Well I got bitten by a mossie on my right leg, it turned out to be a flesh eating bug, call the Bainsdale ulcer, it took weeks to heal then it lay dormant in my stomach, ended up in hosp for two weeks, had to go around with a tube and a bottle and all this black liquid came out, then they had to put a sponge on my stomach and o f cause the skin stuck to the sponge, they could not give me anesthetic because they said it would feed it, bloody hell I was having baby mossies, I screamed as it was like being skinned alive, finally they gave me anisthetic and I had to have a very big skin graft on my stomach, so I hate Mossies.

 

[TaurusBev]

More and more people in Australia are facing a flesh-eating bacterial infection that carries with it a risk of death or permanent impairment.

This infection is known as Strep A, and according to research from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI), the number of children requiring hospital admission due to the infection is on the rise.

The bacterium, group A streptococcus, is responsible for killing as many as 500,000 people every year and can be especially dangerous for young children.

This was a lesson Sandeep Kaur learned the hard way.

Kaur's one-year-old daughter, Gursirat, was left fighting for her life after being infected with Strep A earlier this year.

View attachment 28218

Cases of a bacterial infection known as Strep A are surging across Australia. Credit: Pexels/Edward Jenner.

The child was diagnosed with kidney failure, a liver infection, and necrosis on seven of her fingertips—all results of the disease taking hold. It was a traumatic experience, one that Kaur described as 'difficult', with Gursirat needing two operations and twelve days of dialysis.

Fortunately, Gursirat's fingertips were saved. However, Kaur still hopes that technology, in the form of a vaccine, will be developed soon so that no other family has to go through this situation.

But what is Strep A, and what makes it so dangerous?

Strep A bacterial infections are quite common during childhood, usually resulting in short and minor illnesses that can be treated with antibiotics. These bacteria spread through close contact, such as sneezing, coughing, or contact with an infected wound.

However, in rare and seemingly random instances, Strep A infections can lead to a severe condition called invasive group A streptococcal disease (iGAS). This serious illness can cause complications like sepsis, tissue damage, amputations, and even death.

While still uncommon, the number of cases of invasive Strep A has increased over time. For instance, in Australia, the rate of this condition has risen from 3.7 cases per 100,000 children in 2018 to 5.2 cases per 100,000 children in the third quarter of 2022, according to a study published in the Lancet Regional Health. In 2020, there were 23 cases of this condition in children, which increased to 107 cases in 2022.

Because of the rise in cases, experts in infectious diseases are urging for more funding and a sense of urgency in developing a Strep A vaccine for vulnerable groups like young children, seniors, pregnant women, and Indigenous Australians, who are more prone to experiencing severe complications from Strep A infections.

While a vaccine for this infection might not be available yet, the most reliable method to avoid contracting or transmitting Group A Strep is by practising frequent handwashing. This is particularly crucial after coughing, sneezing, and before handling food or eating.

Dr Yara-Natalie Abo from Murdoch Children's Research Institute pointed out that even though there are variations in seasons and viruses that are active, the increase in cases observed in Australia closely resembled the patterns seen in the northern hemisphere.

She explained, 'Increases in Strep A cases have been reported around the world, occurring during, and outside of, typical spring peaks. This increase is likely due to a combination of environmental factors and viruses in circulation, and more research is needed into whether new strains might be responsible.'

A team of researchers in Melbourne is working relentlessly to find a solution for this infection.

They are launching trials involving fifty participants who will receive a candidate vaccine or a placebo, and they are also studying the link between genetics and infectious diseases. They are utilising advanced equipment and algorithms to identify the genes that could be used in treatment or vaccination.

At the root of this study is the mission to roll out a vaccine that will 'save hundreds of thousands of lives every year and prevent millions of infections that send children and adults to the hospital or doctor'.

Key Takeaways

• Cases of a flesh-eating bacterial infection known as Strep A are surging across Australia, with researchers working on a vaccine.
• The number of children admitted to hospital with the infection rose from 23 in 2020 to 107 in 2022.
• The bacterium Strep A, commonly found in the throat and on the skin, can be deadly and cause permanent disabilities if it develops into invasive Strep A.
• There is currently no vaccine to prevent Strep A, but a group in Melbourne is conducting trials in hopes of accelerating the development.

Strep A is a severe infection that requires serious attention. It's important to consult your GP to learn about the most effective preventive steps you can take.

Stay safe and well, folks! Share your thoughts in the comments below.

 

[TaurusBev]

Hi All, Recently I was in hospital, when nurse was discharging me via wheelchair she knocked my leg with the steel flaps that you put your feet on, this happened 24th April 23, result yes flesh eating disease, I have lots of pics but they are revolting, now end of August still not healed. Plastic surgery to be done. Take Care everyone.