Tu, an 8-year-old child, was admitted to Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City in a state of lethargy, tired eyes, dry lips, and a red rash spreading across his body. His mother reported that he had a mild fever for about three days prior, without a cough or runny nose, leading the family to believe it was a common sore throat. They treated him with fever-reducing medication and some vitamins.

Upon examination, Dr. Pham Thi Ngoc Phu, a specialist in Pediatrics at Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, noted that the patient's throat had multiple hemorrhagic spots, significantly enlarged tonsils, pharyngitis, and swollen, painful anterior cervical lymph nodes. Blood tests revealed an elevated white blood cell count, indicating infection, and a positive result for group A streptococcus.

The child received antibiotic treatment according to protocol, along with medication to reduce fever and itching. Vital signs were monitored regularly. Comprehensive and continuous paraclinical tests were performed to adjust the treatment regimen and prevent complications. He recovered quickly and was discharged after one week.

Dr. Phu examines Tu before his discharge. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

Group A Streptococcus is the most common cause of bacterial pharyngitis in children, particularly those aged 5 to 15. Unlike a common sore throat, streptococcal pharyngitis (Strep A) can progress to serious complications such as: sepsis, peritonsillar abscess, otitis media, and sinusitis. Patients are also susceptible to post-streptococcal acute glomerulonephritis and acute rheumatic fever if the condition is not diagnosed and treated promptly.

Children suffering from this illness may present with a high fever, absence of a cough, swollen and painful neck lymph nodes, red and swollen tonsils with white or yellow exudate (pus), hemorrhagic spots on the soft palate, and an itchy skin rash. These symptoms can be easily mistaken for allergic reactions.

Dr. Phu advises parents that if a child exhibits a sudden high fever, a full-body red rash, a sore throat, or a very red throat, they should seek medical examination for appropriate treatment, rather than attempting self-medication.

Minh Tam

*Patient's name has been changed