Following is a news release from the Texas Department of Health. =============================================== February 26, 1998 TDH Recommends Additional Precautions Against Invasive Group A Strep The Texas Department of Health (TDH) has added several precautions to a previously released list of steps people can take to reduce the risk of invasive group A streptococcal infections or to spot possible early signs of the illness. Some 72 cases of the illness have been confirmed in Texas since Dec. 1. There have been 12 deaths. Following an Austin meeting today of epidemiologists and others investigating the illness in Texas, TDH offered these new recommendations: Adults with a temperature of 101degrees or above and children with a temperature of 103 degrees or above should call a doctor for advice. Anyone who develops an area of unexplained local pain and tenderness, or a skin wound that gets infected (red, swollen, tender and painful) should see a doctor. If a child has chickenpox and the child's fever lasts more than three days or if a child who has had chickenpox for three or four days redevelops a fever, has a loss of appetite, has difficulty breathing or has lesions that appear to be infected, they should see a doctor. Parents are advised to check lesions frequently for signs of infection. Michael Kelley, M.D., head of TDH's communicable disease control bureau, stressed that these symptoms are common to many illnesses and conditions and said they do not automatically mean the invasive group A streptococcus bacteria is the cause. "Though we have seen an increase in cases, we have to remember that this is still a rare illness," Kelley said. TDH also reminds people to cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing. Officials said the following previously released recommendations also should be followed: --Anyone taking an antibiotic should follow prescription orders completely, taking the medication as directed and until it is gone. --Persons with sore throat accompanied by fever should seek medical attention, as should persons with flu-like symptoms who feel worse after three or four days. --Children ages 1 to 13 who have not had chicken pox or been vaccinated against chicken pox, should be vaccinated. --Acetaminophen should be given to children with chicken pox if needed to reduce fever. --As always, people should practice good personal hygiene by not sharing toothbrushes or drinking and eating utensils and by washing hands frequently with soap and water. With the exception of two cases who are siblings, TDH epidemiologists say there is no known connection between any two of the 72 cases confirmed in residents of 19 Texas counties. These counties include: Harris (30 cases), Travis (17), Bexar (5), Galveston (3), Brazos (2) and Atascosa (2). One case has been reported from each of the following counties: Bastrop, Burleson, Caldwell, Dallam, El Paso, Fort Bend, Hays, Lee, Lubbock, Montgomery, Tarrant, Washington and Williamson. Of the confirmed illnesses, 25 were in children and 47 in adults. Of the 12 deaths, four were children, and eight were adults. Twenty-two cases occurred in December, 26 in January and 20 in February. - 30 - (For more information, contact Doug McBride at 512-458-7524; or Alana Mallard at 512-458-7400.)

Bummer.

yuck.

A friend of mine came down with this. It was no fun. She caught it in the Hospital. The way I know she caught it in the hospital, is that she was only in contact with other people in the hospital. At home she stayed in her apartment and her only contact was with me, and I drove her to and from the hospital. I did not get strep at all.

she had the type A strep?

They had an article somewhere today about how Hepatitus C will cost Texans billions in health care costs in Texas prisons. It's a major epidemic in prisons here and California. If the California rate holds true for Texas, 58,000 of Texas 143.600 inmates may have the disease. In California, 41% of incoming prisoners have the disease. And there are up to a million Federal prisoners. Scary stuff!

I don't know if my friend had type A Strep or not. I know that she had Strep. The hepatitus C outbreak won't be fun if any inmates are released with it.

Hepatitis is a bloodborne pathogen so not to worry unless you're indiscriminate with sexual partners or needles or rubber gloves

Any major disease outbreak makes me a little uneasy. I don't care what it's vector is.

Then be really concerned about heart disease!

I am, believe me, I am. I dropped 75 pounds earlier this year to bring my blood pressure down. In a short time, I will be dropping another 15 to get down to my ideal weight.

congratulations and good luck with the rest!

Thank you. the last 15 pounds will be the hardest.

You go, Tim!

It will just take a little more time.