Hong Kong Strain of Scarlet Fever Unlikely to Spread to U.S., Experts Say
Hong Kong has documented more than 615 cases of this new strain of scarlet fever this year, and two children have died, according to news reports. More than 9,000 cases of scarlet fever have also cropped up in China. These numbers are much higher than what is typically seen there, which is why some public health experts believe a mutant strain of group A strep is responsible for this outbreak.
Scarlet fever is an age-old childhood scourge that has been rare in the United States since 1970. Caused by group A strep infection, the illness causes fever, sore throat, white spots on the tonsils, swollen lymph nodes, a bright-red "strawberry" tongue, and a tell-tale red rash that starts on the abdomen and spreads throughout the body within two days. Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics, but the new Hong Kong strain appears to be resistant to at least two commonly used drugs.
"There are more infections than we would see with the standard strain and a higher level of resistance, but we don't have a lot to be concerned about right now," said Dr. Bruce Hirsch, an infectious disease expert at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y.
But, he added, "It is a small world, and there are people traveling to Hong Kong and back every single day. And we need to monitor our public health trends and be sensitive to changes or any increase in somewhat unusual infections like scarlet fever."
Scarlet fever is typically spread by direct person-to-person contact and is more common in children under 10, Hirsch said. "Kids under 10 are not the usual business traveler-type," he added.
Still, "wash your hands and make sure your children do the same, and make sure that in the day-care setting, all toys, especially those that children may place in their mouths, are cleaned and disinfected regularly," Hirsch said.
"Group A strep most commonly causes a sore or strep throat and/or some skin infections," said Dr. Sheldon Kaplan, a professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and chief of the infectious disease service at Texas Children's Hospital, both in Houston.
"A lot of kids in the U.S. get scarlet fever, but this Hong Kong strain is being spread more readily, and there seems to be a high rate of resistance to two commonly used antibiotics," he said.
"It could be introduced in U.S., but we have to wait and see," Kaplan said. "I haven't heard of an increase in the number of cases in our area or any discussion on infectious disease websites or blogs. It bears watching, but I don't think people need to be alarmed or think that their child will get a terrible case of scarlet fever.
Red Spots On Tongue - News
Caused by group A strep infection, the illness causes fever, sore throat, white spots on the tonsils, swollen lymph nodes, a bright-red "strawberry" tongue, and a tell-tale red rash that starts on the abdomen and spreads throughout the body within two
The rash is most pronounced in the arm pit and groin areas, along the elbow creases, and feels like sandpaper. Another sign is a pale tongue covered with red spots. The germ, carried in the mouth and nasal fluids, is spread by sneezing and coughing.
They chop together, Howell like a jazz drummer, in a steady riff, Jones with his tongue between his teeth, furious and fast. As the pile grows, Jones grabs the seasonings, glugs of Texas Pete, black pepper, salt and cider vinegar, lifting the meat with
“A hygienist is very adept at spotting red and white spots that need further investigation.” He also suggests that any patient that sees a suspicious spot for more than one week should contact their dentist for further evaluation.
"A hygienist is very adept at spotting red and white spots that need further investigation." He also suggests that any patient that sees a suspicious spot for more than one week should contact their dentist for further evaluation.
Detoxify With Chlorella Supplements | Weight Loss Solution
Testimony: A Chinese diagnostic medical book by Dr. Chi indicated I had heavy metal toxicity, as indicated by dark blue veins and red spots under my tongue. I did the Cilantro plan as directed in this vid, and the chlorella plan – except I didn’t take quire as many tabs as recommended daily. The result was quite gratifying. Afterwards the dark blue color is almost all gone, and there are less red spots under my tongue.
Red Spots On Tongue - Bookshelf
Bulletin of the Johns Hopkins Hospital
... numerous red spots, similar to those on the patient's face and lips. ... epistaxis telangiectatic spots have appeared upon her face, lips, and tongue. ...The lancet
Her maculae, or red spots, were now very numerous. ... and her eyes much suffused ; her answers were rather indistinct ; pulse and tongue as before. ...The Medical standard
Again, every one with experience knows that the tongue is one of the most ... leaving red spots which have an irregular outline, somewhat resembling that ...Nestling mouth markings and colors of old world finches Estrildidae, mimicry and coevolution of nesting finches and their Vidua brood parasites
The pale tongue has red spots on either side and on the tip; by day 3 the tongue spots are more intense red than the gape wattles (Irwin, 1958; Fig. ...The guiding symptoms of our materia medica
During dentition frequent waking at night with violent screams; red spots here and there. 11 Taste and Tongue. ■ Bitter taste. ^Bilious diarrhoea. ...Casual Note Directory
Red Spots on Tongue
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Red Tongue Spots
Read on to understand detailed information regarding red spots on tongue... The tongue is a muscular mass of tissues, responsible for varied functions. ...
red spots on tongue
It reflects the wellness of the internal organs and blood circulation. Alteration in the general...; Ask a doctor about red spots on tongue ...