There is growing concern that the number of “Group A streptococcus” infections could increase along with COVID-19, potentially leading to a domestic epidemic as the country enters the hot and humid midsummer months. As COVID-19 continues to spread in neighboring countries like China, Thailand, and Singapore, experts warn that it may soon arrive in Korea due to the movement of travelers during the summer season. Group A streptococcus bacteria, which cause a range of infections, can lead to severe conditions such as sepsis, as the bacteria can invade not only the skin but also muscles, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid.
Summer, with its hot temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, creates a perfect environment for bacterial and viral infections. The combination of sweat, high heat, and the rainy season fosters the spread of illnesses such as food poisoning, athlete’s foot, skin eczema, psoriasis, and vibrio sepsis. Bacteria thrive in this environment, often spreading through common objects shared by multiple people, such as towels. Towels, which don’t dry well in the summer heat, are particularly problematic, as they can harbor germs. Using public towels to wipe your face or body can transmit colds, eye infections, and even bacteria, especially if you touch the towel with unclean hands.
Kang Jae-hun, a professor of family medicine at Gangbuk Samsung Hospital, emphasized that bacterial infections, like viruses, are often spread through shared items such as towels, bathroom supplies, phones, and computer keyboards. “If we pay closer attention to personal hygiene, we can stay healthy through the summer,” he advised.
Our hands, which touch many objects and surfaces, are a major pathway for bacteria. In fact, around 60% of diseases are transmitted through hand contact, with each hand potentially carrying up to 60,000 bacteria. Once these bacteria come into contact with the eyes, nose, mouth, or skin, they can be transferred to food and other objects, spreading the infection to others. To prevent this, maintaining good hand hygiene is essential to minimizing the risk of disease.
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