June 21, 2023 – Serious group A strep infections are increasing in countries all over the world. including the United Statesin accordance with latest data from the CDC.
Group A Strep bacteria normally cause mild illnesses comparable to strep throat and scarlet fever. But they may also cause more serious diseases, comparable to flesh-eating necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, often known as invasive group A streptococcal infections.
These infections fell by 25% through the COVID-19 pandemic and were particularly low amongst children. The variety of milder infections also fell. But in 2022, serious infections occurred again, especially amongst children.
In the winter/spring season — from September to November — infections rose sooner than in a typical yr, reaching higher levels than before the pandemic in lots of parts of the country, comparable to Colorado and Minnesota.
Now, in 2023, invasive infections in children are common in some parts of the country, whilst respiratory viruses comparable to influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have declined in those areas. Invasive infections have also been common amongst older adults in some parts of the country.
Less severe streptococcal A infections in children have returned to similar or higher levels than within the years before the pandemic.
An identical resurgence of invasive infections post-pandemic has also been seen in other countries, including Canada, Britain, France and Denmark.
While Strep A is a quite common bacteria that causes only mild or no symptoms in most individuals, serious infections are likely to be quite rare. They are likely to affect essentially the most vulnerable people: individuals with one other virus, multiple chronic illnesses or an open wound.
During a strep infection, be careful for fever, headache, or confusion, all of which might indicate a more serious illness.