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The most aggressive group A streptococcal disease will be reported in Canada in 2023, according to the country’s health authorities, and cases are increasing here in Manitoba.
In neighboring Ontario, a child death due to invasive streptococcus A has been reported, and officials say they are closely monitoring it.
“We definitely saw an increase in cases last year, and we continue to see an upward trend this year,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, the state’s chief public health officer.
Public health officials in Canada told City News that more than 4,600 invasive group A streptococcal infections were reported in 2023, breaking the previous record set in 2019 when more than 3,200 cases were reported. He said it exceeded that.
Manitoba also saw an increase in invasive group A streptococcal infections in 2023, with 200 reported cases, up from 200 the previous year.
“We know that during the respiratory phase, there is usually an increase in invasive secondary infections, including group A streptococci,” Roussin said.
Streptococcus A is a bacterium found only in humans and lives in the throat and skin. This bacteria can cause strep throat.
Invasive group A streptococcal infections occur when streptococcal type A bacteria move from an environment that is not considered sterile, such as the throat, to an area of the body that is considered sterile, such as the blood.
“This increase in cases is likely due to a new strain circulating around the world, likely originating in the United Kingdom,” said John McCormick, professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Western Ontario. he explained.
“When an invasive infection is caused by Streptococcus A, it can be very dangerous. Although it is more likely to occur in people of extreme ages, such as the very young and the elderly, these infections It can happen to anyone.”
That’s why McCormick says if anyone has strep throat, they should seek treatment to prevent more serious illness.
“Previous viral infections can make you more susceptible to invasive disease. One that has been well studied for many years is chickenpox. In children who develop active chickenpox, the invasive chain There is an approximately 50-fold increase in the incidence of coccosis. There is no vaccine for strep throat, but there is a vaccine for chickenpox,” McCormick said.
Forty-eight deaths were reported in Ontario between October and December 2023, six of which were children under the age of nine.
“This is related to COVID-19, influenza and other infectious diseases, so we need to take this opportunity to protect ourselves,” Dr. Rushon said.
Manitoba has not reported any cases, but Health Minister Uzoma Asagwala said Manitoba is monitoring the situation across the country.
“Certainly, the rise in cases is concerning across the country. Here in Manitoba, we are looking at how doctors and nurses assess patients and communicate with families to make sure they have the right information.” We are taking steps from a public health perspective so that we are aware of what we need to take,” Manitoba Health Minister Uzoma Asagwala said.