The Saskatchewan Health Authority, Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority, and Athabasca Health Authority are warning northern residents of an increased spread of strep pneumonia in northern communities.
Strep pneumonia is caused by the bacteria streptococcus pneumoniae and can lead to some more serious illnesses, including meningitis, sepsis, and ear and sinus infections.
“Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs; it could be one of your lungs or both lungs, and these air sacs can fill with fluid or pus, and they can cause symptoms,” explained Medical Health Officer in La Ronge, Angela Silveira.
Strep pneumonia symptoms include sudden chest pain, fever, shortness of breath, and chills. It is most commonly spread through coughing, sneezing, and close contact with infected individuals.
“There are some individuals who are at a much higher risk, and those include younger children, older adults, those who have weakened immune systems, those with chronic diseases like diabetes, heart or lung disease, and those who smoke and use inhaled drugs are at a much higher risk,” stated Dr. Silveira.
Dr. Silveira explained that recently in the north, primary care physicians in both clinic and emergency settings began noticing patients having pneumonia-like symptoms. Many of those cases were confirmed to be caused by strep pneumonia, and some individuals were developing pneumonia following the usage of inhaled drugs such as cocaine. Community leaders are now raising concerns over respiratory symptoms in people who use inhalation drugs.
“There are a lot of things that can cause pneumonia, as I mentioned, viruses, bacteria, or fungi in different settings, and what we do know is that when someone is using inhaled drugs or smoking, that certainly does impair the way that your lungs function, so your lungs won’t work as well, and that does increase your risk for respiratory infections like pneumonia,” said Dr. Silveira.
Individuals are encouraged to get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, and maintain a healthy diet to avoid getting or spreading strep pneumonia. Do not share needles, pipes, or other items, and contact community clinics for clean pipes and other items or for resources to stop using drugs if you are ready.