The nation has seen an increase in cases of invasive strep caused by the group A strep bacteria, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The group A strep (GAS) bacteria is relatively common and can cause mild illnesses, such as strep throat and skin infections. However, the bacteria can become invasive, infecting other areas of the body and causing life-threatening illnesses, such as sepsis, septic shock, necrotizing fasciitis, and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, according to the CDC.
The CDC found that invasive group A strep (iGAS) cases decreased by 25% during the pandemic, likely due to masking and social distancing. However, they have surpassed pre-pandemic levels this year in some parts of the country.
Most people who are infected with strep will not develop iGAS. Healthy people can still contract it, but those with chronic illnesses are more at risk, according to the New York State Department of Health.
Austin Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes described the warning signs of iGAS to KXAN.
“When it becomes invasive, you may see things such as fever, chills, muscle aches, and just becoming more ill than you particularly see with that case of just strep,” she said.
Generally, cases of iGAS peak between December and April, but this season’s peak began in September, and cases do not seem to be diminishing.
A spokesperson for the CDC told KXAN, “We have not yet seen cases of iGAS decrease to the same extent as cases have for respiratory viruses.”
The bacterial infection is typically treated with antibiotics, but a current national shortage of amoxicillin suspension is raising concern. This liquid form of antibiotic is most commonly prescribed to children who contract strep. The CDC advises talking to your doctor about alternative antibiotics if liquid amoxicillin is not available locally.
The New York State Department of Health recommends good handwashing habits as a primary way to prevent infection. Additionally, if you suspect you may have strep, you should see a doctor to test for it and wait for at least 24 after starting an antibiotic before going back to work or school.
Normal strep can progress to iGAS through wounds. So, the New York State Department of Health recommends cleaning wounds regularly and monitoring for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or pain.
According to a 2014 study published in MD Edge, obesity and diabetes are independent risk factors for iGAS infections. The risk for adults with both diabetes and morbid obesity is 15 times greater than for those of normal weight.
Dr. Gayle Langley of the CDC told MD Edge that skin and soft tissue infections, which are “significantly more common” in obese and diabetic patients, appear to be the driving factor for the increased risk of iGAS.
Obesity is one of the leading health problems facing the world today, as The Dallas Express has often reported.