The recent surge in infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, commonly known as group A strep, has led to a significant increase in invasive cases across the United States and Europe. Reports indicate at least 16 pediatric deaths in the UK, with additional fatalities in the Netherlands and France. Health officials in Minnesota noted a rise to 46 cases of invasive strep A in November, more than double the average, while Texas Children's Hospital recorded over 60 patients in October and November, a fourfold increase from the previous year. This epidemic may be attributed to decreased exposure during the pandemic, resulting in weakened immune responses, or potentially due to a more virulent strain of the bacteria.
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https://www.yahoo.com/news/first-came-viral-storm-now-115132502.htmlInfection with Streptococcus pyogenes - or group A strep, for short - typically produces mild symptoms, such as rash, fever or swollen tonsils leading to the eponymous strep throat. But in recent months, cases related to a rare invasive form of the common bacteria have been popping up across the United States, as well as Europe, often in connection with sometimes confusing symptoms, including skin rashes, fever, a racing heart and unexplained swelling.
The first confirmed pediatric deaths in this country, in two young children in the Denver area, were reported last week. At least 16 children have died of it in the United Kingdom, seven in the Netherlands and two in France.
The rise of invasive strep A is one of a number of unusual ways pathogens have been interacting with us - and each other - amid the end of coronavirus-era social distancing and masking this year.
Minnesota health officials said they had seen 46 cases of invasive strep A in all ages in November, more than double the average 20 cases in previous months. Colorado reported that it was investigating not only a rise in invasive strep A cases, but also a possible increase in other severe or invasive bacterial infections in children.
Texas Children's Hospital said it has seen more than 60 patients with invasive strep A in October and November - a fourfold increase from the same period the previous year. . . .
I posted on TIL on 7.12.22 as there was a spike in deathsAstronuc said:https://www.yahoo.com/news/first-came-viral-storm-now-115132502.html
Is the current surge (epidemic?) of infections a result of lack of exposure during the pandemic, and hence a lessening of folks' immune responses, or is this variant more lethal, or perhaps a combination?