A report warns that there is increasing number of women dying during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth from an ostensibly risk-free virus. The rates of death from Group A streptococcal infection that generally causes a sore throat has increased by third since 2005.
According to experts those death could have been avoided if virus had been diagnosed in time by medical personnel and treated with antibiotics. The sore throat virus frequently spread between kids and is most common during winter seasons and usually causes a mild sore throat or skin infection.
However, pregnant women or those who have just given birth are particularly susceptible to its stern form that can be lethal. According to the report, nurses, midwives and GPs are failing to spot the preliminary symptoms of the fatal virus. Women frequently do not realize that they are seriously ill and do not worry to seek help.
Several women and their families did not realize that they were severely sick and did not divulge the significant symptoms, which might have permitted earlier intercession, stated the report. Some healthcare workers did not understand the signs and symptoms or severity of the illnesses, added the report.
The virus can spread from close contact with children and transmitted from the throat or nose via hands of woman to other parts of her body that can cause infection. Some of the mothers, or their family members, had an existing history of sore throats or respiratory infections.
It is scandalous that something like infection and infection from rationally renowned organism is a major cause of maternal mortality. Though pregnancy is an exquisite time but it is not without risk. Pregnant women and their families should be more aware about it, stated Dr Imogen Stephens, clinical director from CMACE (Centre for Maternal and Child Enquiries).