Explore the rise of invasive strep A infection in Canada, its devastating consequences like flesh-eating disease and death, and the potential factors behind the increase. Also, learn about the global trend of invasive strep A and the urgency for global attention. Discover the challenges in early identification and treatment, and the need for tracking and mitigating these infections.
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Quick takeaways
Invasive Group A strep can lead to severe complications like flesh-eating disease, meningitis, and death.
The rise in invasive Group A strep cases may be due to factors such as better identification, global travel, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deep dives
Invasive Group A Strep: A Serious and Rapidly Progressive Infection
Invasive Group A Strep is a bacterial infection that can lead to severe complications and even death. While Streptococcus bacteria are common and often harmless, invasive Group A Strep occurs when the infection spreads to the bloodstream or soft tissue. This can result in devastating diseases like flesh-eating disease, toxic shock syndrome, sepsis, and organ failure. The infection progresses rapidly, and early symptoms can be subtle and nonspecific. The severity and speed of the infection make it challenging to treat effectively, and even surviving the infection can have long-term consequences.
Rise in Cases and Concern among Health Experts
There has been a concerning surge in invasive Group A Strep cases, with six children in Ontario and four children in British Columbia dying from the disease in recent months. The increase in cases has health experts worried, and while the infection is still rare overall, the rising rates and serious implications warrant attention. While the exact reasons for the rise are not definitively known, possible factors include better identification and tracking of infections, global travel, increased congregate living settings, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has reduced exposure to pathogens and may have left individuals more susceptible.
Symptoms, Tracking, and Prevention
Early symptoms of invasive Group A Strep can be subtle, such as fever and feeling unwell, making it challenging to identify and treat quickly. Warning signs of a severe infection include severe pain and redness, headaches, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion, dizziness, and fever. Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial if any of these symptoms are present. While no vaccine specifically targets Group A Strep, getting vaccinated for influenza and COVID-19 can help protect against co-infections and reduce the risk of severe complications. Tracking and collecting data on invasive Strep cases are vital to inform public health measures and mitigate the spread of the infection.
Invasive Group A strep is a rare form of infection that happens when the usually harmless bacteria invades parts of the body where it's not normally found. This can lead to complications like flesh-eating disease, meningitis and even death — and case numbers are on the rise in Canada, with 10 children dead of the disease since October.
CBC health reporter Lauren Pelley breaks down what you need to know about invasive strep A and the multiple factors that could be behind the recent surge in cases.
For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts
Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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