Thread: 12 dead as rare bacterial infection spreads through Essex

The bacteria can be found in the throat and on the skin and can be spread through people sneezing, kissing and skin contact.



Twelve people have died of a rare bacterial infection that has spread in Essex.


There have been 32 reported cases of the disease, called invasive Group A streptococcus (iGAS), the NHS Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group has confirmed.



It said the outbreak started in Braintree and has since spread to the Chelmsford and Maldon areas.


The bacteria can be found in the throat and on the skin and people may carry it without displaying any symptoms.


It can live in throats and on hands for long enough to allow it to be spread between people through sneezing, kissing and skin contact.


https://news.sky.com/story/12-dead-a...essex-11748790

Russians ?

antibiotic resistance.

more of a threat than global warming thats for sure.

Originally Posted by taxexile

antibiotic resistance.

more of a threat than global warming thats for sure.

Nature finds a way.....

Nature finds a way.....

nature, e.g. bacterial and viral evolution and meteorological systems, always do find ways and nothing can stop them, especially the activities of us puny humans. the earth will survive, but we may not. nature gives not a fuck.

Is iGAS the same as MRSA?

Spending time in the local hospital with my father, I noticed how diligent all the people are in using hand disinfectant along with gloves. Disinfectant dispensers at all doors. The restroom doors have been outfitted with a device which one can open the door using the elbow instead of hands.

@misskit - it's different. IGAS is caused by Streptococcus, while MRSA means Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Streptococcus usually causes throat infections, among other things (thus the medicine/ lozenge Strepsils to combat it). Staphylococcus is usually found in skin, causes pimples/acne and wound infections.

I think antibiotic resistance is more common in 1st world than 3rd world countries, due to widespread use of antibiotics and hand sanitizers/ disinfectants. I don't hear of MRSA or IGAS here in PI - not among friends or colleagues. But there are probably cases in hospitals - I don't work in the medical field.

agricultural use of antibiotics in poultry and meats are the main cause of antibiotic resistance in humans. its a worldwide problem.

the easy availability of over the counter antibiotics in third world countries probably doesnt help either.

customer in pharmacy " i coughed yesterday"
salesperson with no pharmaceutical qualifications. "here's 200 antibiotic capsules and a litre of antiseptic throat spray, 400baht please"

Before you start off, read the article.

"The risk of contracting iGAS is very low for the vast majority of people and treatment with antibiotics is very effective if started early."

ESSEX girls OFF the menu.