What is invasive Streptococcus (Strep) A disease?
Streptococcus A is a bacterium often found in the throat and on the skin. The most common infections caused by Strep A are sore throat and skin infections - studies have shown 8-12 percent of school-aged children have Strep A bacteria in their throat at any one time however many people do not experience any symptoms.
Severe, life-threatening invasive Strep A disease occurs when the bacteria enters the blood stream, muscle or lungs and the flesh-eating infection rapidly spreads throughout the body, leading to disfiguring scars, loss of limbs and multi-organ failure.
What are the symptoms of invasive Strep A?
Like meningococcal disease, time is critical when it comes to invasive Strep A – there are just hours between a healthy child and the devastating consequences of the disease. It is estimated that 10-15 per cent of people with invasive Strep A disease don’t survive.
Symptoms include high fever, severe muscle aches and pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
If you are concerned that your child is displaying these symptoms, please seek advice from your GP or nearest emergency department.
How common is invasive Strep A disease?
Invasive Strep A disease is three times more common than meningococcal disease in Australia and just as deadly, but most people are unaware of its existence.
Invasive Strep A disease affects five out of 100,000 people and is most common in young children and the elderly.
Is there a vaccine?
There is currently no vaccine to prevent invasive Strep A disease. With the number of cases of invasive Strep A disease currently on the rise around Australia, the development of a vaccine is more important than ever.
The Kids Research Institute Australia is leading a national and international push to secure funding and develop tools to fast-track a vaccine against all diseases caused by Streptococcus A bacteria, potentially having a major global impact on reducing deaths worldwide.
