Canada battles with Strep A infection spike; Know everything about the disease

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Recent reports from Canada indicate a significant increase in cases of invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS), a severe and potentially life-threatening infection. This escalation marks the highest annual total ever recorded in Canada, with more than 4,600 iGAS samples reported in 2023, surpassing the previous peak in 2019.

This situation underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance, research, and public health preparedness in tackling infectious diseases. As health officials and researchers continue to monitor and study this uptick in iGAS cases, it's crucial for the public to stay informed and adhere to health guidelines to mitigate the spread of such infections.

What is Group A Strep?
Typically, group A strep bacteria cause mild illnesses like tonsillitis, strep throat, and scarlet fever. However, in its invasive form, iGAS can lead to more severe illnesses and, in rare cases, rapid onset of death. This invasive infection is considered rare but serious when it occurs.

Recent Surge in Cases: Ontario, for example, reported around 540 iGAS infections from October to December 2023, with a concerning fatality rate in pediatric cases. Other provinces like B.C., Manitoba, and New Brunswick have also witnessed a rise in iGAS cases.

The Nature of the Bacteria: Group A strep is a common bacterium found in humans, often carried in the throat without causing any symptoms. However, when these bacteria invade parts of the body that are typically sterile, such as the bloodstream, it becomes a serious health concern. Conditions like necrotizing fasciitis, also known as flesh-eating bacteria, though rare, can emerge from such invasions.

Long-Term Health Impacts: Survivors of iGAS may face ongoing health issues affecting organs like the kidney and the heart. These post-strep complications add to the severity of the infection.

Why the Spike in Cases?
The increase in iGAS cases might be linked to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. Reduced exposure to various pathogens during the pandemic could have left many, especially children, without the necessary antibodies to fight off such infections. Additionally, the emergence of mutant strains of group A strep, like M1UK, could be contributing to this surge. M1UK, identified in the UK in 2019, is known for causing scarlet fever and invasive strep infections.