What to know about ‘devastating’ invasive strep – CTV

April 20, 2023

Countries across the globe are reporting a sustained spike in the number of invasive Group A streptococcus (iGAS) infections at a time when the season for strep infections should be winding down, and Canada is among them.

iGAS is a potentially life-threatening infection involving the normally harmless Group A streptococcal bacteria (GAS). While GAS infection often causes mild illnesses such as tonsillitis, strep throat, scarlet fever and a skin infection called cellulitis, iGAS can cause severe illness and, in rare cases, death within days.

Ontario and Quebec have reported higher iGAS infection rates during the 2022-2023 fall and winter strep season compared to pre-pandemic levels, and in Quebec, the infections have led to the deaths of several children and seniors.

Read more: https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/what-to-know-about-devastating-invasive-strep-1.6363163