Yarrabah families face disease outbreak with potentially long-term effects

Yarrabah families have been warned to stay vigilant as an inflammatory kidney disease most likely to affect children spreads across the community.

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Yarrabah families have been warned to stay vigilant as an inflammatory kidney disease most likely to affect children spreads across the community.

Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services in Yarrabah advised of an outbreak of Acute Post Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis, a kidney disease caused by certain skin and throat infections, primarily affecting children aged two to 15 years old.

GYHSAC Director of Clinical Services Dr Jason King said the outbreak was most likely to affect children, but could have serious consequences for adults who were also at risk of contracting the disease.

“Adults are more likely to have long-term health problems if they get it as APSGN may contribute to chronic kidney disease in later life,” he said.

APSGN is not contagious; however, the bacteria that causes the disease can be passed from person to person.

“There is no simple treatment for APSGN and the prevention of streptococcal skin and throat infections remains the most important control strategy.

“The only way to prevent APSGN is to wash daily with soap, covering sores and ensuring clothing and bedding are laundered on a weekly basic,” he advised.

Parents and families are advised look out for any skin sores on themselves or their children and to treat them quickly, keeping them clean with soap and water and covering any sores with a clean dressing.

Yarrabah residents are also advised to go directly to the nearest health clinic or hospital if they present with any of the following: dark, coke coloured urine; swollen eyes, face or feet; headache; fever; tummy pain; or swelling.

Originally published as Yarrabah families face disease outbreak with potentially long-term effects