Thessaloniki: 15 Positive Cases of Strep A Found in Kindergarten Linked to Child’s Death

Following the death of a five-year-old girl due to invasive streptococcal infection, the Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention (EODY) conducted checks by taking samples from 85 individuals, including 43 parents and staff members, as well as 42 children. The investigation at the 3rd Kindergarten of Eukarpia in Thessaloniki was carried out in collaboration with the Public Health Directorate of Central Macedonia. The goal was to test all students and staff using rapid antigen tests for strep A and inform parents about the symptoms, clinical picture, and preventive measures against the spread of the disease. Overall, 85 people were tested, including 43 adults and 42 children. Fifteen individuals tested positive for strep A, representing an 18% positivity rate. Most of these positive cases were asymptomatic carriers rather than active infections. It was concluded that there was increased carriage of Group A streptococcus in the specific kindergarten section where the invasive case occurred. All necessary measures have been implemented in collaboration with public health authorities. Additionally, EODY emphasized that there is no vaccine for strep A and debunked any association between vaccines and the child’s death. The importance of accurate information evaluation and scientific validation is highlighted, urging media outlets to responsibly disseminate scientific knowledge.