Two Montreal children die of complications from Strep A infections

Montreal public health (DRSP) is warning citizens after two children died of complications from Invasive Group A Streptococcal and two other cases were detected, all four since mid-November – and all ages zero to two years old.

“There is no epidemiological link between the cases according to the investigations conducted by the DRSP. Unfortunately, two children died from complications of the disease,” said public health in a press release Friday afternoon.

Strep A is a bacterium found in the throat and on the skin. It usually causes fever and throat infections, and many people carry it without any symptoms. However, they can still spread it to others through coughs, sneezes and close contact.

Symptoms of infection include pain when swallowing, fever, skin rashes and swollen tonsils and glands, with infection common in crowded settings such as schools and daycare centers.

Treatments include antibiotics, like penicillin or amoxicillin

They Montreal health agency says they’ve has noted an increase in invasive Strep A infections in the zero to two age group.

Adding that in comparison, during this same period in 2017-2021, there were zero to one cases of this infection among Montreal children.

In an update issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday, at least five countries have reported an increase in iGAS infections in children in recent weeks.

“Given the international epidemiological situation and the uncertainty of the respiratory virus season, we call on health professionals to increase their vigilance for anyone with symptoms consistent with invasive Strep A infection, especially children.”

Recommendations for parents:

• Watch your child for symptoms of fever, sore throat, headache or skin infection with significant pain;
• Consult a health care professional if necessary;
• If a doctor prescribes an antibiotic treatment, complete it;
• Influenza increases the chance of developing an invasive Strep A infection. Vaccination is currently available free of charge for people aged six months and older in Quebec;
• Keep your child’s immunization schedule up to date, especially with the chickenpox vaccine. This disease increases the risk of developing invasive Strep A infection.

AVIS À LA POPULATION | Augmentation du nombre d’infections invasives streptocoque du groupe A chez les enfants montréalais.

Pour connaître les principaux symptômes, les personnes à risque et les recommandations: https://t.co/zW749D1J5y#SantéPubliqueMTL pic.twitter.com/3YHNFdJyqp

— Santé Montréal (@santemontreal) December 16, 2022

What is Group A Streptococcus

Invasive Strep A is a bacterium that can be commonly found in the throat and on the skin of many healthy people in the population. About 20 per cent of healthy people carry this bacteria without getting sick.

Sometimes the bacteria can cause mild symptoms such as a sore throat, or skin infections (scarlet fever).

Rarely, for some people, it can also cause a serious infection. When the bacteria penetrates the skin, it can cause a serious tissue infection, commonly referred to as “flesh-eating bacteria.”

The overall case fatality of invasive infection is approximately 10 to 15 per cent and varies depending on the site of infection.

Transmission:

• Contact with droplets from the nose or throat of people with the severe infection.
• Contact with infected skin wounds (e.g., impetigo, erysipelas)
• Very rarely, contact with droplets from the nose or throat of healthy carriers of the bacteria.

Recommendations for the general population:

• Stay home if you are sick;
• If you have symptoms consistent with Strep A, see a health care provider;
• Wash your hands frequently;
• Practice good respiratory etiquette (cough into your elbow, wear a mask if sick);
• Wear a mask in public indoor areas.

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