Surge in Group A Strep Infections in 2023
According to a report by Epic Research, a health analytics firm, group A strep (caused by the Streptococcus bacteria) infections surged in February 2023, exceeding pre-COVID highs. The rate of infections was found to be 30% higher than the previous peak in February 2017. Prior to the pandemic, cases of strep throat followed a consistent pattern of increasing in the fall and peaking in February, before dipping again in the spring and summer. However, the number of infections decreased by around 25% during the pandemic, with severe cases of strep infections declining.
Preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that both invasive and less severe strep cases are now at elevated levels, similar to or higher than those seen in pre-pandemic years. The recent spike in strep A cases is likely due to weakened immune systems caused by other circulating viruses, according to Dr. Marc Siegel, a professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor. The majority of cases affected children aged 4 to 13.
Strep A causes mild illness in most cases, but can lead to severe infections in rare cases, requiring immediate treatment. The current antibiotic shortage means that some cases are not receiving timely treatment, and the FDA has reported a shortage of amoxicillin, which is commonly prescribed to treat strep. To reduce the spread of strep, the CDC recommends washing hands often with soap and water, avoiding sharing glasses or utensils with those who are infected, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Early testing and treatment is important, especially among young children. If you have strep throat, it is important to stay home until you no longer have a fever and have taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours, according to Dr. Shana Johnson, a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician in Scottsdale, Arizona.