Health
Surge in Strep Throat Infections: What You Need to Know to Protect Yourself
As the flu season reaches its peak, health officials are raising alarms about a significant increase in cases of invasive group A strep, a potentially life-threatening infection. This form of strep, which is not to be confused with the more common strep throat, is causing concern due to its potential to develop into severe conditions such as necrotizing fasciitis, a flesh-eating infection, or streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), which can lead to organ failure.
A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights the growing threat of invasive group A strep. According to the data from the Active Bacterial Core surveillance network, which covers 35 million people across 10 U.S. states, the incidence of this infection has more than doubled from 4 in 100,000 people in 2013 to 8 in 100,000 in 2022.
The total number of invasive group A strep cases reported in 2013 was 1,082, which surged to 2,759 by 2022, amounting to 21,000 cases over the nine-year period. This alarming increase has resulted in 1,981 deaths during the same timeframe. Victor Nizet, MD, a pediatrics medicine professor at the University of California, San Diego, emphasized the severity, stating, “When you see this high number of deaths, extrapolate that across the country—we’re probably well into more than 10,000 deaths.”
The study found that the majority of cases affected men (58 percent) and individuals aged 18 to 64 years (64 percent). However, the incidence rates among adults aged 65 and older showed the most significant increase. Additionally, higher rates were observed among people experiencing homelessness, those who inject drugs, and residents of long-term care facilities.
Mild symptoms of group A strep can include a sore throat, fever, redness, swelling, and pain at a cut or wound, as well as skin infections. However, if the infection becomes invasive, symptoms can rapidly escalate. Dr. Nizet warns, “Within 24 to 48 hours, you could have very, very rapid deterioration,” noting that what may start as a routine flu-like illness could quickly lead to an emergency situation requiring intensive care.
While penicillin is typically effective in treating strep infections, some strains of invasive strep have shown resistance to antibiotics. Preventing the spread of strep throat is crucial in reducing the risk of invasive strep, but experts agree that a vaccine would be the most effective defense. Joshua Osowicki, PhD, a pediatric infectious diseases physician, described group A strep as “one of those pathogens that causes a pandemic in plain sight,” underscoring the urgent need for a vaccine.
Theresa Lamagni, PhD, from the United Kingdom Health Security Agency, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We absolutely, desperately need a vaccine for group A strep.” Until such a vaccine is developed, it is vital to seek medical attention promptly if you or a loved one exhibit any symptoms of this serious infection.
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