Yet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just issued an alarming code red. Most recently they’ve sounded the alarm on a dramatic rise in invasive group A streptococcus (strep) infections across the US. A new study that appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association found these trends to be shocking. High rates of infection From 2013 to 2022, the reported infections more than doubled, with more than 21,000 cases detected in that nine-year span. These discoveries highlight serious concerns around the greater danger from aggressive strep infections—especially to at-risk communities.
Here are four key reasons behind this spike. One potential factor A link with respiratory viruses such as influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) could be a contributing factor by increasing the risk of strep infections. Coupled with increasing levels of diabetes and obesity, as well as other pre-existing health factors, exacerbated conditions have put specific groups at greater risk. The CDC’s study underscores a worrisome shift toward severe illness in the pediatric cases. In recent years, these cases have started to look a lot different.
According to the study report, that’s almost 2,000 deaths caused by invasive group A strep infections during the study period. Dr. Christopher Gregory, a CDC researcher, stressed the increased danger posed by such infections. He said the risk has “considerably risen” for not only the broader population but for specialized high-risk populations.
Infections have skyrocketed among those who are homeless. In 2022, the incidence of invasive strep infections in this group soared to an unprecedented 807 cases per 100,000 population. As with any other infectious disease, the highest rates of infection lie among our oldest adults, ages 65 and older. Their cases soared from just 1,082 in 2013 to 2,759 in 2022.
This was an important observation made by Dr. Victor Nizet, a pediatrics professor at the University of California, San Diego. He added that recent strains of invasive strep have a preference for skin infections rather than throat infections, which we typically associate with strep. He warned about the rapid progression of these infections, stating, “Within 24 to 48 hours, you could have very, very rapid deterioration.”
This underscores the need for a vaccine to prevent invasive group A strep infections, a key priority highlighted in the 2020-2025 National Vaccine Plan. As Nizet put it, the absence of an effective vaccine is “devastating,” and the era of vaccine development was long overdue. He voiced his frustration with some of the hurdles in the regulatory space that have made vaccine development difficult.
“Of course, we’re concerned about the turn of attitudes at the FDA and the CDC that seem to be putting some sticks in the spokes of the wheel of vaccine development.” – Dr. Victor Nizet
Dr. Allison Eckard expressed these concerns as well, pointing out that clinicians are seeing what seems to be an uptick in cases. The situation is dire enough that Dr. Nizet extrapolated on the potential nationwide implications of the mortality statistics:
“When you see this high number of deaths, extrapolate that across the country — we’re probably well into more than 10,000 deaths.” – Dr. Victor Nizet
Together, the CDC’s findings make an alarming, acute case for taking action to solve this public health threat. The sudden escalation from mild symptoms to acute severe illness in cases of invasive strep infections requires careful tracking and quick access to medical care.
