Cases of an aggressive strain of strep throat are climbing in various parts of the United States, as reported by the CDC. The research, which appeared in JAMA, highlighted a significant rise in group A Streptococcus (GAS) from 2013 to 2022. States like California, Colorado, and New York are among those seeing these increases.
The overall occurrence of GAS more than doubled, moving from 3.6 to 8.2 cases per 100,000 people during this period. For nearly a decade, these infections have been creeping upward in ten states. Particularly at risk are residents of long-term care facilities, the homeless, and those who inject drugs.
The highest infection rates are found among people aged 65 and older, but the most significant jump in cases is in adults aged 18 to 64. According to the CDC researchers, “Accelerated efforts to prevent and control GAS are needed, especially among groups at highest risk of infection.” These findings underscore the need for increased vigilance and preventive measures.
GAS is typically known for causing milder illnesses like strep throat, but it can also lead to severe conditions such as sepsis and necrotizing fasciitis. The University of Minnesota’s CIDRAP press release emphasized these potential dangers. The study identified over 21,000 cases of invasive GAS, leading to thousands of hospitalizations and nearly 2,000 deaths.
The most common disease caused by GAS is bacteremic cellulitis, followed by septic shock and pneumonia. “The recent assault of viruses, including COVID-19, has weakened people’s immune systems,” noted Joshua Osowicki, a pediatric infectious diseases physician, in a JAMA editorial. He pointed out the global increase in GAS cases after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Marc Siegel from Fox News remarked on the urgency of early intervention, explaining that GAS can be “quite life-threatening.” He added, “We really need a vaccine against this, but don’t have it.” The infection is notably rising among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, including those affected by the opioid crisis.
In 2023, the number of strep throat infections spiked, primarily affecting children, according to Epic Research. This surge came after a decline during the pandemic, with infection rates now 30% higher than in February 2017. Dr. Shana Johnson commented that the current GAS rates, including the invasive type, are “at the highest levels seen in years.”
Dr. Siegel suggested that other circulating viruses might be responsible for the increase in GAS cases. According to him, a weakened immune system due to “the recent assault of viruses, including COVID-19,” might be a contributing factor. The CDC recommends treating strep infections with antibiotics to prevent them from worsening.
Group A strep bacteria are transmitted through droplets from an infected person, or through infected sores on the skin. Preventive measures include frequent handwashing, not sharing utensils, and covering the mouth when coughing. Dr. Johnson advises staying home if you have strep throat until you’re fever-free and have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours.
The CDC has been contacted for further comments on this issue. In the meantime, health experts continue to stress the importance of awareness and prevention. The rise in cases serves as a reminder of the need for both personal and public health measures.
