Rising Streptococcal Infections Cause High Fevers and Drooling in Young Children

Israeli doctors report a surge in streptococcal throat infections among young children, especially those in preschool. Parents have brought children exhibiting high fevers up to 40 degrees Celsius, red throats, loss of appetite, and excessive drooling to clinics. Dr. Adi Weiss-Pink, a pediatric specialist at Clalit Health Services, noted that in the past two weeks, many children have been diagnosed with throat infections, marking an unusually high incidence this year. Most affected are toddlers under two years old, who typically suffer viral throat infections that resolve within five days without antibiotics. However, children over three years old show a higher likelihood of bacterial streptococcal infections, which require testing and antibiotic treatment to prevent complications.

Dr. Weiss-Pink explained that streptococcal bacteria spread mainly through saliva and direct contact, making kindergartens hotspots due to shared toys and close interactions. Immediate complications of untreated streptococcal infections can include throat abscesses requiring hospitalization and surgery, while rare long-term effects may involve rheumatic fever, which damages joints and the heart. She recounted a case where a child developed swollen joints a month after an untreated sore throat, underscoring the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment.

Family medicine expert Dr. Uri Nitzan from Clalit’s Neve Atlit clinic in Haifa also confirmed an increase in streptococcal cases, emphasizing the contagious nature of the disease and the risk of transmission to family members and workplaces. Both doctors cautioned against unnecessary antibiotic use without proper medical evaluation, as many sore throats are viral. They advised parents to seek medical attention if children have high fever, severe throat pain, drooling, or difficulty opening their mouths to ensure appropriate care and prevent complications.