The Ministry of Public Health (MSP) disseminated prevention measures against the Streptococcus pyogenes bacterium, which has caused infections in children, adolescents and adults in Uruguay. It is a bacterium that causes infections in children, adolescents and adults with mild clinical manifestations –such as pharyngitis or scarlet fever– or severe.
It is transmitted when you come into contact with the droplets that an infected person emits when coughing or sneezing.
The symptoms of pharyngitis are the following: sore throat, fever, headaches, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, reddening of the pharynx and tonsils, bad breath, enlarged glands in the neck.
The most common symptoms of scarlet fever are: red and sore throat, fever (38.3°C or higher), red sandpaper-textured rash, deep red skin in the armpit, elbow and groin folds, whitish coating on the tongue or back of the throat, “raspberry” tongue, headache, nausea or vomiting, swollen glands, body aches.
In the presence of some of these symptoms It is important to consult the doctor/pediatrician to make a timely diagnosis and avoid self-medication with antibiotics.
The best way to avoid infections is to wash your hands frequently; do not share objects of personal use: cutlery, glasses, towels; adequately and regularly ventilate the environments; and keep surfaces clean and disinfected
Given that co-infection with other viral agents is possible, the population is reminded of the importance of following the recommendations regarding the use of a mask aimed at SARS-COV-2 and is urged to complete the COVID-19 vaccination and the Vaccines from the National Vaccination Certificate according to the current national calendar.
