Two sisters, Sammi and Meta Ross, are warning the public about the dangers of invasive group A strep after their mother and step-father died from the disease on the same day earlier this year. The doctors failed to recognize the signs of the illness until it was too late, leading to the tragic deaths of Ginny and Jeffery Killam. The pair both passed away within hours of each other, with Ginny just weeks away from her 60th birthday. Initially, the family was not overly concerned when Ginny developed flu-like symptoms and sought medical help, but her condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to septic shock. Jeffery also fell ill and was eventually admitted to the hospital. The Ross sisters believe that if their mother had been tested for strep A earlier, she may have survived.
As Ginny and Jeffery’s conditions worsened over the weekend, the sisters received the devastating news that both of their parents had strep A. By Sunday morning, both Ginny and Jeffery had passed away. The Ross sisters believe that more timely testing and treatment could have potentially saved their parents’ lives, and they lament the lack of precautions taken by the hospital to protect Jeffery once it was clear that Ginny had an infectious disease. This lack of action may have contributed to the rapid spread of the illness in Jeffery’s case. The rise in cases of group A strep in Nova Scotia has raised concerns among public health officials and healthcare providers.
Nova Scotia Health has reported 40 cases of group A strep and 10 deaths so far this year, including the Killams. The disease has also claimed the lives of a six-year-old boy and a 45-year-old man. There were five deaths in the province last year, all of whom were over the age of 55, with 94 reported cases overall. The rates of invasive group A strep, or iGAS, have been on the rise in Nova Scotia across all age groups since 2022. Public health physician Ryan Sommers highlighted the challenges faced by clinicians in diagnosing group A strep and emphasized the importance of educating healthcare providers on identifying the disease.
Symptoms of group A strep include high fever, severe pain, swelling, and redness, dizziness, confusion, rapidly spreading rash, nausea, vomiting, severe pain in the extremities, dehydration, and changes in skin tone and color. Rapidly worsening symptoms are a red flag for the disease, and individuals are urged to seek medical attention if they experience these symptoms. The Ross sisters stress the importance of not waiting to seek medical help if feeling unwell, especially for immunocompromised individuals like their step-father. Time is of the essence in treating invasive group A strep, and early intervention can make a significant difference in outcomes.
In conclusion, the tragic deaths of Ginny and Jeffery Killam at the hands of invasive group A strep have highlighted the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment for this potentially deadly disease. The Ross sisters are advocating for increased awareness of group A strep and improved education for healthcare providers to help prevent future deaths. Public health officials in Nova Scotia are working to address the rising cases of invasive strep A and educate clinicians on how to distinguish it from common respiratory illnesses. It is crucial for individuals to recognize the symptoms of group A strep and seek immediate medical attention if they suspect they may be infected.
