US Sees Sharp Rise in Life-Threatening Strep Infections | JQJO

A concerning surge in severe strep infections is sweeping the US. A CDC study in JAMA reveals invasive group A strep cases more than doubled from 2013 to 2022, rising from around 4 to 8 per 100,000 people. This increase, linked to factors like rising diabetes and obesity rates, drug use, and homelessness, has resulted in over 21,000 cases and nearly 2,000 deaths in the studied period. While the rise in adult cases is significant, discrepancies exist regarding pediatric cases. The study urges accelerated prevention and control efforts and highlights the urgent need for a vaccine.