Queenslanders warned to be alert after spike in deadly bacteria

Nine Queenslanders have died after succumbing to a deadly bacteria after a 20 per cent spike in the number of cases. One death occurred after a trip to one of the state’s top holiday destinations.

Queenslanders are being warned to know the symptoms associated with the potentially deadly Group A Streptococcus following a 20 per cent increase over the past year in the number of people infected.

Tragically, nine people died after developing symptoms of invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) which include high fever and severe muscle aches.

Another six people passed away with invasive Group A Streptococcus listed as a contributing factor.

There were 359 iGAS notifications between January 1 and December 4 2022 in the state, a 20 per cent increase on the five-year average for the same time period between 2017-21.

Paul Burkett with his son. Photo: Paul Burkett, Facebook.

In September a Queensland family was struck down with the illness while on a trip to K’gari (Fraser Island).

Paul Burkett spent 11 days in hospital recovering from the infection that made both he and his teenage son incredibly ill.

Mr Burkett said he started feeling sick, noticing cuts on his hands that had happened while he was fishing were infected and started experiencing chills.

Sadly his elderly father-in-law passed away after succumbing to complications caused by the infection.

A spokesman for Queensland Health said anyone with symptoms should seek immediate medical attention if they suspect they may have contracted it.

Paul Burkett had three operations to clean out his elbow, thumb and finger after a Strep A infection. Photo: Paul Burkett, Facebook.

“Few people who acquire Group A Streptococcus will develop iGAS, which most commonly occurs in the very young, the very old and people with weak immune systems who are at higher risk of severe infection,” he said.

Streptococci bacteria survive in throats and on hands for long enough to allow easy spread between people through coughing, sneezing, kissing or skin contact.

People can carry the bacteria in their throat or skin without any symptoms of illness.

Health authorities warn that people with “strep throats” should stay at home for at least 24 hours after starting a course of antibiotic and contact your GP or 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) if you believe that you have been in contact with someone with iGAS.

People in NSW and Victoria have also been urged to keep an eye out for symptoms.

It comes as the UK experiences a spike in infections with around 30 children dying from invasive strep A since September.

Symptoms of Strep A include:

Sore throat

Red and swollen tonsils

Tiny red spots at the back of the roof of the mouth

Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck

Fever

Headache

Rash

Nausea or vomiting, especially in younger children

Body aches

Source: Mayoclinic.org