3 patients died of invasive strep infections last year, N.L. top doctor says

Cases of invasive group A streptococcal disease are on the rise in Newfoundland and Labrador, health officials say, matching a trend seen across Canada. 

Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, Newfoundland and Labrador's chief medical officer of health, says 52 people were diagnosed with the bacterial infection in 2023, more than double any previous year.

Three of those people died, she said.

Fitzgerald said invasive group A strep is aggressive, and different from the common strep throat that is typically treated with antibiotics. 

"Invasive group A strep occurs when [bacteria] gets into the bloodstream, or into other areas of the body like the central nervous system, and causes things like meningitis or pneumonia in the lungs, and can get into the deep tissues of the muscles and cause something called necrotizing fasciitis," she said in an interview. 

While this year's caseload is much higher number than the province has seen in the past, Fitzgerald says it's still not an overly common occurrence.

WATCH I Dr. Janice Fitzgerald talks about the aggressive group A strep:

What you need to know about invasive group A strep — and the difference from common strep throat

11 months ago

Duration 3:35

Invasive group A strep enters the body through the skin — like a small cut or scratch that gets infected. Then, bacteria gets into the bloodstream or the central nervous system. Newfoundland and Labrador’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, says not everyone who gets a common strep throat infection will get invasive group A strep — but it is on the rise. Last year, the number of people diagnosed with it was more than double N.L.’s previous highest year, and there were three deaths.

Most patients, she says, will get better after being treated with antibiotics. 

"When we compare it to regular strep infections that we talk about, not everybody who gets a strep throat is going to end up getting invasive strep, and gets sick where they need hospitalization," she said.

COVID-19 may play a role

The Winnipeg-based National Microbiology Lab confirmed more than 4,600 cases last year, marking an increase of 40 per cent of the last spike, in 2019, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. 

Doctors aren't sure why cases of group A strep are on the rise across the country. 

"Is there something happening because of the pandemic itself? Is it because we're seeing more viruses circulating, such as influenza?" Fitzgerald said. 

"All of these things are questions that we're asking."

WATCH | Learn how some strep infections can quickly become deadly: 

Severe strep A infections are on the rise

11 months ago

Duration 2:51

Doctors say they’re seeing significantly more invasive strep A infections, caused by a bacteria that usually leads to milder illnesses. But in some cases it can enter the bloodstream and quickly become deadly.

Invasive group A strep usually enters the body through the skin, such as a small wound or scratch that gets infected. 

"If you have a skin infection and it looks like you have a red, hot, swollen, painful area of the skin, and if even if you have antibiotics and it doesn't seem to be getting better, you should certainly follow up and check on that," said Fitzgerald. 

"Any time you have a really high fever and you're feeling generally unwell… you should definitely seek medical attention."

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