Canada part of global spike in severe illness caused by strep A bacteria

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April 18, 2023

Group A streptococcus (iGAS) is usually known for milder illnesses like strep throat or scarlet fever, which are typically treated with antibiotics. When bacteria enter the blood or deep tissue, people can develop more invasive, life-threatening conditions such as necrotizing fasciitis or toxic shock syndrome. In those cases, complications can lead to amputations or even death. In Que., the number of iGAS infections spiked 56% compared to the pre-pandemic average for the same time period. Ont. also recorded a higher incidence rate across all age groups than during the same period in the last five years before COVID-19.
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Hausse notable du nombre d’infections à la bactérie « mangeuse de chair » au Québec - Radio-Canada

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