Cities in MG adopt pandemic measures against bacteria – 10/27/2023 – Health

Cities in the Campo das Vertentes region, in the interior of Minas Gerais, have resumed hygiene measures applied during the Covid-19 pandemic since the death of three children due to suspected bacterial infection in São João del Rei (190 km from Belo Horizonte ).

At least five neighboring cities have suspended classes so far: Tiradentes, Santa Cruz de Minas, Ritápolis and Conceição da Barra de Minas, in the Campo das Vertentes region, and Felício dos Santos, 320 km from Belo Horizonte. City halls use official channels to publicize measures such as disinfection of schools, squares and playgrounds. Isolation of symptomatic people, use of simple masks and alcohol for hand hygiene are also part of the recommendations.

Although the cause of the children’s death remains undetermined, health authorities are investigating two possibilities: Streptococcus pyogenes It is Streptococcus sp. alpha-hemolytic.

The streptococcus bacteria is transmitted via the respiratory route and is generally found in the throat, says infectious disease specialist and pediatrician Anne Layse Galastri, which allows for similarity with the protocols adopted against the coronavirus.

“The difference is that no one has the Covid virus and is not infected. The bacteria can colonize our oral and nasal cavities and not develop symptoms”, says Galastri, member of the infectology department of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics. The doctor also says that the bacteria does not have the same transmission power as the coronavirus, ruling out a new epidemic.

An outbreak of the disease — an increase in cases in a specific area or population over a certain period of time — is, however, likely, experts say.

“Infections due to Streptococcus pyogenes and other streptococci can lead to outbreaks, especially in indoor and community settings. The rapid identification and treatment of cases, together with preventive measures, are essential to control the spread”, says doctor Leonardo Weissmann, from the Emílio Ribas Institute of Infectious Diseases.

The State Department of Health of Minas (SES-MG) stated, in a note, that there is no outbreak or risk to the health of the population of São João del Rei, as well as no epidemiological evidence that justifies the change in the routine of the population’s activities.

Hand washing, disinfecting surfaces and wearing masks for a while are necessary measures to prevent further spread of the disease, says pediatrician and infectious disease specialist Renato Kfouri. This must be associated with the treatment of those infected and those close to them, he says.

Not all schools, however, need to suspend classes, says the doctor. “Each situation is different. If you have several cases in a school, yes [é bom fechá-la]. But it depends on how many cases there are, how big the school is, whether they are related cases or not.”

Infectious disease doctor Renato Grinbaum states that classes may be suspended in the event of more intense outbreaks. But, initially, he says that the child with the disease should be isolated, outside of school, for up to 24 hours after starting treatment.

As there is no vaccine against the bacteria, which can cause tonsillitis, pharyngitis and even pneumonia, experts recommend the following measures:

• Regular hand hygiene
• Avoid close contact with infected people
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Avoid sharing personal objects
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces

In school environments, says Weissmann, it is important to maintain good ventilation and consider regularly disinfecting the facilities. Additionally, early identification and treatment of infected people can prevent the spread of the disease, she says.