Pediatric Cases of Strep Throat on the Rise, Poses Danger Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

strep throat group A strep infections strep throat in children

By E.Baloyo , Parent Herald Apr 19, 11:16 pm

Photo: (Photo : Robyn Beck/ Getty Images)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a warning about the surge in pediatric cases of group A strep infections, including strep throat, this season.

According to the CDC, based on the preliminary data for the 2022-2023 season, the number of cases of less severe group A strep infections in children has returned to pre-pandemic levels or higher. This spike in infections poses a significant danger to children, especially in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Unusual Severity of This Year's Strep Season

The 2022-2023 strep season has been unusually severe, with levels of infection throughout the country higher than usual. This is in line with typical patterns, as strep rates are normally highest from December through April.

According to NBC, the CDC reports that the United States sees millions of instances of noninvasive group A strep annually, while invasive infections range from 14,000 to 25,000 cases. The invasive cases result in the deaths of around 1,500 to 2,300 individuals each year.

Nonetheless, the surge in the number of cases observed this year corresponds with a scarcity of the liquid form of amoxicillin, which is utilized to treat strep infections, that is being experienced across the nation. This has left many parents struggling to find alternative treatments for their children.

In addition to causing common and generally mild illnesses like strep throat and scarlet fever, group A strep bacteria can cause severe and invasive infections.

Necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome are examples of invasive group A strep infections that require urgent medical attention.

These infections occur when the bacteria invade parts of the body that are normally free from germs, and they can cause significant tissue damage and even death.

Risk of Strep Infections Amid the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic

The rise in strep infections is a cause for concern amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Children who contract strep throat or another group A strep infection may be more vulnerable to severe cases of COVID-19, and the burden on healthcare systems may be exacerbated by the simultaneous influx of patients with both COVID-19 and strep infections.

According to Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, a pediatric infectious diseases physician at the Mayo Clinic Children's Center, group A streptococcal disease is a bacterial infection that encompasses various conditions.

Strep throat is a widely-known type of this infection that commonly affects school-aged children between 5 and 15 years old, and it is rare for children under 3 years old to contract it.

Although it is typically not serious, in some cases, group A strep can spread to other parts of the body, such as the blood or brain, causing a severe and potentially fatal illness.

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can occur in children and is characterized by various symptoms. The condition is often accompanied by a severe sore throat that has a sudden onset. Along with this, children may experience painful swallowing and a fever.

Enlargement of the lymph nodes, which are small nodes in the front of the neck, is also common. Additionally, upon examination of the throat, redness at the back and tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth may be noticeable. Tonsils may appear red, swollen, and may have white patches or pus.

In conclusion, parents should be vigilant in monitoring their children for symptoms of strep throat and other group A strep infections, especially during this unusually severe strep season.

Prompt treatment with antibiotics can prevent complications and help prevent the spread of infection. As always, practicing good hygiene, including frequent hand washing, can help reduce the risk of infection.