Two Denver metro children die after contracting invasive group A strep

DENVER – Two Denver metro kids have died up to now month after contracting invasive group A strep, a uncommon bacterial an infection, however what precisely induced their deaths stays unknown, in response to the state’s well being division.

Since Nov. 1, 11 circumstances have been reported to the state, together with the 2 fatalities. Though a spokesperson with the Colorado Division of Public Well being and Surroundings (CDPHE) couldn’t present extra details about the youngsters, they confirmed they aren’t school-aged.

“What we do not know but, and we’re nonetheless ready for affirmation via the coroner course of, is the ultimate reason for dying,” state epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy mentioned Thursday.

Invasive group A strep, or iGAS, isn’t like strep throat. As a substitute, it’s an an infection brought on by micro organism moving into the bloodstream and different components of the physique. Sometimes, Colorado solely sees a couple of circumstances a month, and whereas there is a rise, it’s nonetheless fairly uncommon.

“It is actually when the micro organism get past kind of our immune defenses that reside at that interface of superficial, or non-sterile websites, and sterile websites,” Herlihy mentioned. “When the micro organism get past that threshold, that is when we’ve these extreme infections or invasive infections.”

Why it’s regarding is that the an infection can lead to a flesh-eating illness or poisonous shock syndrome.

“One of many eventualities that we have been seeing are kids who’ve these previous viral respiratory infections — COVID, RSV, flu — after which they begin getting higher, after which they get sick once more or develop new signs. And that is actually once we begin worrying about these invasive bacterial infections,” Herlihy mentioned.

In response to the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC), mother and father ought to preserve an eye fixed out for the next signs:

• Redness of the pores and skin
• Ulcers
• Extreme ache
• Fever and chills
• Low blood strain
• Fast respiratory

Herlihy says probably the most vital methods to forestall an infection is to maintain your kids up-to-date with their COVID-19, flu and chickenpox vaccines.