Health authorities in British Columbia are warning the public about higher levels of strep bacterial infections among children.
A joint statement from the Provincial Health Services Authority, the BC Centre for Disease Control and BC Children’s Hospital says there have been 51 cases of group A streptococcal infections this year among people under 20.
That is more than twice the number forecasted by health officials, with only 20 cases last year.
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Streptococcus bacteria causes illnesses such as strep throat or skin infections including impetigo.
While most people recover with antibiotic use, infections can spread and become life-threatening in the form of pneumonia or toxic shock.
Health officials are asking caregivers to monitor children who have been ill with symptoms such as a fever lasting beyond five days, full body rashes and difficulties with breathing possibly meaning an infection.
The statement says there has been a rise in strep infections across Canada and in other countries, with B.C. reporting 547 cases this year for all ages.
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