Increase in Invasive Group A Strep Among Children: What You Need to Know
Published in Medical Malpractice on January 12, 2023
Reading Time: 3 minutes
When it comes to your child’s health and safety, nothing is more important than being as informed as possible on how you can prevent them from getting sick. With an increase in patients being diagnosed with invasive group A strep, it is essential you know everything there is to know about this infection and how to prevent your child from contracting it.
The medical malpractice lawyers at Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers are dedicated to helping parents stay informed on invasive group A strep and how to ensure their children are safe from this deadly infection. If your child has suffered from invasive group A strep due to medical negligence, we may be able to help you pursue compensation. To schedule a free consultation and learn more about how our medical malpractice lawyers can help you, call our office at 617-391-9001 or complete our contact form today.
What Is Invasive Group A Strep?
Invasive group A strep is an infection that occurs when the bacteria gets past the initial defenses of the individual who is infected with strep group A. With this more severe infection, the bacteria gains access to deeper sites in the body than just the skin or throat. Examples of invasive group A strep disease include the following:
- Pneumonia
- Abscesses
- Necrotizing fasciitis which is a life-threatening skin infection caused by ‘flesh-eating’ bacteria
- Bloodstream infections
- Toxic shock syndrome, in which multiple organs systems are malfunctioning due to infection
It is believed that the rise in invasive group A strep cases are likely due to the spread of the flu since these infections can occur as a complication of respiratory viruses. If a child is already carrying group A strep in their throat when they contract an influenza infection, the strep bacteria may be able to penetrate the mucous membranes and infiltrate the bloodstream which would lead to invasive group A strep. Another possibility for the increased spread of this infection is due to the lack of exposure experienced during the height of COVID-19 related social distancing and masking recommendations.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Invasive Group A Strep?
Sometimes, in the early stages, it can be challenging to decipher if your child is suffering from a common cold or a serious infection like invasive group A strep. All strains of strep throat are very contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets, direct contact, and in food that is not handled properly. Because this infection can become serious very quickly, it is crucial that you are able to recognize the symptoms in your child:
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Swollen tonsils
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Red, rough rash
- Strawberry tongue
- Lethargy
- The child has stopped eating or taking fluids
- The child looks visibly ill
Invasive group A strep can only be diagnosed by a doctor. Because of this it is crucial that you take your child to see a medical professional immediately if you suspect they are showing any of the above symptoms and may need treatment. If your child is misdiagnosed, mistreated, or contracts invasive group A strep as a result of medical professional behaving negligently, contact a trusted medical malpractice doctor to help you pursue justice for the harm that has fallen upon your child.
The award-winning medical malpractice legal team at Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers offers passionate representation to victims of medical negligence by handling all aspects of their claims. J. Tucker Merrigan and Kyle A. Camilleri pride themselves on providing trusted medical malpractice litigation in Massachusetts and have earned a reputation for success with honors such as Rising Star, Super Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers, and Top Attorney Award.
Speak With a Trusted Medical Malpractice Lawyer About Your Case
At Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers, we will work to determine how much you are owed in compensation and what your best legal options may be moving forward. We fight for the justice you deserve and have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in damages for our clients. Schedule a free consultation with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer today at 617-391-9001, or fill out our contact form.