Infections caused by group A streptococci become invasive when the bacterium enters the bloodstream. Such cases can lead to high fever, fatigue, and redness or pain that spreads to the skin. In some serious cases, an infection can even be fatal. Fredrik Rücker, infection control doctor in Region Dalarna, believes that it is still relatively uncommon to have serious streptococcal infections.
– You can carry streptococcal bacteria without feeling sick at all, and you can also get a mild throat infection or a mild skin infection, says Fredrik Rücker.
No confirmed deaths in Dalarna
If an invasive infection is detected, it can be treated and cured with antibiotics. Fredrik Rücker believes that so far they have succeeded in curing all reported serious infections in Dalarna.
– We are not completely sure of those statistics, but as far as we can see, there have been no deaths in Dalarna.
Fredrik Rücker believes that the region works preventively against the infection mainly by spreading information about it.
– We are working to increase awareness of this both among the public and in healthcare. Already when we saw an increase in the spring, information went out to healthcare personnel.
In the clip: Hear how you can recognize A streptococcus and how you can reduce the risk of infection.