Scarlet fever has entered a high incidence period, and this knowledge needs to be understood
2024-06-04
Recently, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention issued a reminder that scarlet fever has entered a high incidence period. Scarlet fever is a statutory Class B infectious disease in China, and there is currently no vaccine available to prevent it. When a child experiences symptoms such as fever, sore throat, or rash, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. What is scarlet fever? Scarlet fever is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by Group A beta hemolytic streptococcal infection, characterized by high fever, sore throat, rash, and peeling after rash regression. It is mainly common and mild cases, with very few deaths. Scarlet fever can occur all year round, and is more common in China from May to June and November to December. How is scarlet fever transmitted? The incubation period of scarlet fever is generally 1-7 days, with an average of 2-5 days. Children and carriers are the main sources of infection, mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets and contact with toys, utensils, hands, food, etc. contaminated with pathogens. It can also be transmitted through damaged skin. If medication is given promptly at the onset of the disease, it will no longer be contagious 24 hours after starting treatment. Who are more susceptible to infection? The population is generally susceptible to scarlet fever, with high incidence in children aged 3 to 9 and generally less susceptible to it in adults. Elderly people, patients with underlying diseases, those with concurrent viral infections, pregnant women, and those with weakened immunity are at high risk of developing the disease. Due to the concentration of susceptible populations, scarlet fever outbreaks often occur in childcare institutions and primary schools. What are the clinical manifestations of scarlet fever? High fever: Generally, it can reach 38 degrees Celsius or above. During the period of rising body temperature, children may experience symptoms such as chills and poor mental health. Pharyngitis: manifested as inflammation and suppuration of the pharyngeal tonsils. Strawberry tongue: Congestion of the tongue, redness and swelling of the tongue nipple, resembling a strawberry, known as the "strawberry tongue". Rash and skin peeling after rash regression: Rash is one of the most important symptoms of scarlet fever, usually appearing within 24 hours after fever, spreading from behind the ear, neck, upper chest to the whole body, and disappearing within 6-9 days. Is scarlet fever scary? Scarlet fever is not scary. Most of the patients are of the common type, with mild symptoms and a good prognosis, and a few may worsen. Early use, sufficient dosage, and sufficient course of treatment of antibiotics generally do not lead to serious complications such as glomerulonephritis and rheumatic fever. How to diagnose scarlet fever? Pathogen detection mainly involves collecting throat swabs for bacterial culture, or using nucleic acid testing and rapid antigen testing. How to treat scarlet fever? The use of penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics can easily kill Group A streptococci. Once diagnosed with scarlet fever, it is important to follow the doctor's advice and use medication in a standardized manner, as the prognosis is generally good. Timely and standardized treatment can shorten the duration and severity of the disease, as well as reduce the occurrence of serious complications such as myocarditis, pneumonia, meningitis, acute glomerulonephritis, and rheumatic fever. How to prevent scarlet fever? At present, there is no effective vaccine for scarlet fever, and prevention of the disease should focus on strengthening personal and environmental hygiene. Timely medical treatment: During the high incidence season, especially when scarlet fever patients appear around, parents should closely monitor the physical condition of the child. Once a fever or rash is detected in the child, they should be promptly sent to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment. Ventilation and disinfection: Children's rooms should be regularly ventilated by opening windows. The utensils used by children should be boiled and disinfected; Used handkerchiefs and other items should be boiled in hot water. After the child recovers, a thorough disinfection should be carried out, and toys and furniture should be wiped with soap and water. If they cannot be wiped, they can be exposed to sunlight outdoors for 1-2 hours. Strengthen school hygiene: During the outbreak of scarlet fever, daycare institutions and primary schools should carefully carry out morning and afternoon examinations. If suspicious individuals are found, they should be asked to suspend classes, seek medical treatment, and undergo isolation treatment. The utensils that the child has come into contact with should be boiled and disinfected, and utensils, tables and chairs should be wiped and disinfected with soda water. Ensure sufficient ventilation and air exchange indoors, clean classrooms, stationery, toys, and tableware daily. If any cases are found, disinfect the items in contact with the cases in a timely manner. Good personal hygiene: When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with your upper arms, tissues, towels, etc. Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing; During the outbreak of scarlet fever, pay attention to wearing masks and avoid going to crowded and poorly ventilated public places; Balanced diet, enhanced physical exercise, enhanced physical fitness, and enhanced immunity. (Le Xin She) (Author Liu Zongwen is the Deputy Chief Physician of Pediatrics at Shunyi Women and Children's Hospital of Beijing Children's Hospital)
Edit：GuoGuo Responsible editor：FangZhiYou
Source：People.cn
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