of The number of Canadians with invasive group A streptococcal (or Strep A) infections is increasing This season.
Local health officials are closely monitoring local cases, including in Greater Sudbury.
Data for 2023 shows a three-fold increase in invasive group A streptococcal infections among people under 20 years of age, according to a preliminary report released by the BC Center for Disease Control, provincial health services and BC Children’s Hospital. It is shown. The electron microscope image shows group A streptococci in orange. Canadian Press/AP-NIAID (via AP)according to Sudbury and District Public Health (PHSD) Symptoms such as sore throat, flu-like symptoms, fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting may occur before the infection becomes invasive Group A streptococcal disease.
“Invasive group A streptococcal infections can have more severe symptoms, including difficulty breathing, swelling, and painful skin lesions,” said public health advocate Afzaar Rajabali. said.
“It can also cause fever with an abnormal drop in blood pressure, and nausea and vomiting.”
PHSD has reported two confirmed cases so far this year. Last year, there were 53 cases of streptococcal A infection, of which three died. In the year of the pandemic, that number was 30 to 40 cases a year. By comparison, the number of infections per year was just 25 before the pandemic.
Ontario Public Health reported 540 cases in the last three months of 2023, three-quarters of whom were hospitalized.
Health officials across the state have been warned that an upward trend is expected.
“This increase is likely related to the increased prevalence of respiratory viruses, including influenza and RSV,” Rajabali said.
There is no vaccine to prevent strep A, but public health officials recommend good hand hygiene, especially after coughing or sneezing and before preparing or eating food.
