“Group A” strep can lead to necrotizing fasciitis, a flesh-eating bacteria, or toxic shock syndrome if left untreated.
Considering the number of reported “Group A” strep cases over the first three months of the year in Monroe County has ranged from six to 15 since 2010, the 13 cases that have been reported in 2015 alone is unusually high.
Even more worrisome than the number of cases that has been reported is the number of fatalities; “Group A” strep has led to four deaths in Monroe County this year already. That is one more than occurred in all 2014, according to the WHEC report.
The bacteria are only transmitted through direct contact but health officials urge individuals who think they have strep to see a physician.
Currently, two patients are being treated at Rochester (N.Y.) General Hospital for necrotizing fasciitis.
Rochester General released a statement saying the patients did not become ill as a result of an infection they contracted at the hospital. The hospital also announced that it would be partnering with state and local health departments to determine if the infections are linked to one another or with other cases in the community.
The Monroe County Health Department is working with physicians throughout the area and sharing updated data on the reported infections.
More articles on flesh-eating bacteria:
HIV drug may combat strep throat, flesh-eating bacteria
Contaminated Hospital Linens Linked to 5 Pediatric Deaths
Spectrum Health to Pay $775k After Woman Develops Flesh-Eating Bacteria
