Canada Sees Record Number of Invasive Group A Strep Infections

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has logged a record number of potentially deadly Group A Streptococcal (iGAS) disease across the country.

According to the agency, as of Jan. 9, the National Microbiology Laboratory has logged over 4,600 cases from 2023, which is the highest annual total ever recorded in Canada and a more than 40% increase compared to a previous peak in 2019.

A report from Public Health Ontario shows that six children have died from the disease since October. Total deaths from the Group A Strep counts 48 deaths from October to December. There are already 2,000 to 3,000 cases of Invasive Group A Streptococcus reported annually in recent years.

Report says a total of 540 confirmed cases were reported in Ontario between October 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023, corresponding to an overall incidence rate of 3.5 cases per 100,000 population.

Group A Streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause many infections. Invasive Group A streptococcus happens when the bacteria spreads beyond the places it typically infects, such as the skin and throat, into sterile parts of the body like the bloodstream or soft tissue. When this happens, it can lead to severe life-threatening illness.

The spread of this disease can be reduced by thoroughly washing the hands, especially after coughing and sneezing. Washing, treating and covering infected wounds and sores also prevents the spread of the bacteria.

Like every infectious diseases, staying away from others who are sick is another way to stop the spread of the bacteria.

Adults above 65 and children between ages five and nine are more likely to contract the disease. Watch out for symptoms like severe sore throat without a cough, fever, abdominal pain, severe pain and so on.

Citizens are advised to visit health-care providers for a proper diagnosis if they have become ill and think it is a GAS disease.

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