Daniel Coutinho, an infectious disease specialist at Hospital Lusíadas Porto, downplays the numbers. It is certain that they represent a significant increase compared to 2023, a year in which a total of 941 infections were recorded. "Unlike Covid-19 and tuberculosis, the disease is not transmitted through the air, so it is unlikely that infections will increase rapidly", he assured Lifestyle ao Minuto. Even so, he stresses the need to maintain "high epidemiological surveillance" and to adopt basic infection prevention measures. Regular hand washing, following respiratory etiquette rules, avoiding sharing personal items and food are some of the recommended behaviors for the population.

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"Occasionally, the use of a mask may be recommended for personal protection", adds Alexia Toller, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Hospital Lusíadas Lisboa. She also states that "close contacts of infected patients may be indicated for antibiotic prophylaxis".

Infectious disease specialist Daniel Coutinho explains that "the vast majority of infections caused by this bacteria are mild and short-lived, being one of the main causes of bacterial pharyngitis and skin and soft tissue infections". However, "in a small percentage, they can have a more severe clinical presentation, with bacteremia, pneumonia and toxic shock syndrome".

© Daniel Coutinho, infectious disease specialist at Hospital Lusíadas Porto, and Alexa Toller, obstetrician-gynecologist at Hospital Lusíadas Lisboa

The infection "can be asymptomatic or cause only mild symptoms in some patients and be fatal for other individuals", says gynecologist Alexia Toller. The doctor warns: "In the most severe cases, it can cause a necrotizing soft tissue infection, that is, it leads to necrosis [deterioration] of the extremities - lower more frequently than upper - mainly in patients with diabetes and peripheral vascular disease. Necrotizing disease is often acute, with rapid progression, hence being known as 'flesh-eating bacteria'."

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In an initial phase, symptoms may include fever, sore throat, myalgia, vomiting, diarrhea and skin changes. In cases that evolve to streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, hypotension, multiple organ failure and alterations in the state of consciousness may occur.

Transmission usually occurs through droplets expelled by an infected person or through direct contact with wounds and ulcers of these patients. Close contacts of patients may be indicated for antibiotic prophylaxis.

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