A report from Global News notes that Strep A cases are rising in Canada and gives advice on what symptoms to watch for.

Saba Aziz reports for Global News that government data is showing that “Strep A cases have been on the rise in the past year, with invasive disease resulting in hospitalizations and some deaths among children”

The report cites a recent PHAC statement that data is indicating that there has been an increase compared to pre-pandemic year, particularly in children under 15 years of age. PHAC said, “Invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS) has been identified collectively by the federal, provincial and territorial governments as a priority for monitoring and control and must be reported to the public health authorities.”

The Global report interviewed Dr Brian Conway, medical director of the Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre, who reinforced that respiratory viruses like influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can raise the likelihood of getting sick with Strep A. “When your body is fighting off one of these viral infections, it’s possible to get a second infection on top of that because of your temporarily weakened immune system,” he stated.

Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause a wide range of diseases in people of all ages. Strep throat, or pharyngitis, is “much more common” in children than adults, says Dr Earl Rubin, division director for pediatric infectious diseases at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, interviewed in the report. “If somebody has at the same time a sore, throat, fever, all the other symptoms of a cold that started within a day or two, that is not strep and that’s viral.” Strep A symptoms will develop as a secondary infection. Symptoms in children can include:

• High temperature, swollen, tender neck glands

• Severe muscle aches

• Red, sore throat (strep throat or tonsillitis)

• White spots on back of throat, tonsils, or tongue

• Tiny red spots on roof of mouth

• Bright red tongue

• Trouble swallowing

• Headache, fussiness

• Nausea and vomiting

• Sever muscle ache

• A rash that feels rough, like sandpaper (scarlet fever)

• Scabs and sores (impetigo)

• Pain and swelling on body (cellulitis)

Dr Conway notes that, whilst there is no vaccine available for Strep A, it is important to get vaccinated for respiratory viruses, like COVID-19 and influenza “to limit the likelihood of a serious infection”. He stresses that, if a child experiences shortness of breath, progressive lethargy or has a high fever that doesn’t get better with acetaminophen, it is important to consult a health care provider.

Strep A can be treated effectively with antibiotics, however it is very easy to spread to others, so those being treated for Strep A should stay home for 24 hours after starting antibiotics to prevent others from getting sick.