Experts warn on deadly disease more common than meningococcal
It is the disease that is as deadly and more common than meningococcal, yet few Western Australian parents have it on their radar.
Strep A is a bacteria that one in 10 Australian children have in their throat or skin, usually doing no harm at all, at any given time.
When it invades the body through the bloodstream, skin or lungs – much like meningococcal – the resulting disease spreads rapidly with detrimental effects.
Telethon Kids Institute Researcher Dr Asha Bowen said invasive streptococcus A disease was three times more common than meningococcal disease in Australia, and just as deadly.
She said most Western Australians were unaware of its existence.
“Strep A can cause myriad complications, from sore throats and skin sores to invasive strep A disease, bone and joint infection, and rheumatic heart and kidney disease,” she said.
“This simple bacteria can cause such a diverse range of complications – it is important people know about it.
“Our attention is on the end complications and not the disease as a whole, and as there are so many different ways it can cause problems, it is important we continue to do this research. Strep A prevalence also comes and goes; we’ve witnessed epidemics occur at different times in the past.”
Research shows the disease is currently on the rise in Australia. Aboriginal Australians are more frequently affected by all of the strep A complications.
A recent case of invasive strep A in WA saw an 18-month-old fight for her life in intensive care, before losing the tips of all of her fingers and toes.
The disease affects five out of 100,000 people, predominantly young children and the elderly. It is estimated around 10 to 15 per cent of people with the disease will not survive.
Unlike meningococcal, it doesn’t have a preventative vaccination.
Dr Bowen is working with Telethon Kids Institute, as well as partners in New Zealand, Africa, America and across Australia, to develop a vaccine to prevent the disease.
While this vaccination is still years in the making, Dr Bowen encouraged parents to be aware of the disease, and know its symptoms.
“I think with parents knowing their children well they will notice things like a fever that doesn’t go away, a sore throat and being unable to swallow, not being responsive, severe muscle aches or pains or diarrhoea and vomiting,” she said.
“Ensure kids are always washing their hands regularly and keep an eye on their sores – don’t forget to prioritise and treat them.”
Telethon Kids Institute is one of Australia's leading children's research centres dedicated to improving all kids' lives. Covering issues from Invasive Strep A to mental health, WA is lucky to have such a driven and knowledgeable centre in the state.
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