Pediatricians Warn About Which Signs Of These Streptococci As Cases Remain High

The winter respiratory virus season is over in the United States and summer is quickly approaching, but doctors are still seeing alarming levels of streptococcal infections across the country.

Streptococcus cases have spiked in the United States since last fall and remain high, especially among young children. Pediatricians warn of an “explosion” of cases involving patients. Few or atypical symptoms — This can be difficult to diagnose in the background of other viruses. seasonal allergiesTODAY.com previously reported.

Highest level of pharyngitis in 5 years

New data released this week show that cases of strep throat in the past few months have already exceeded pre-pandemic levels, reaching the highest incidence since 2017.

new analysis from epic researchwhich provides insights and trends based on electronic health records.

In the report, researchers noted that streptococcal cases dropped dramatically in March 2020 and remained relatively low until September 2022, when cases began to rise again. , infection rates skyrocketed and remain high as summer approaches.

An Epic Research analysis of this spring’s surge found that strep throat was most commonly diagnosed in children aged 4 to 13, but there was an increase in all age groups.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said unreleased surveillance data showed emergency department visits for streptococcal infections February and March recorded the highest prices in five years. NBC News reported on April 19..

Streptococcal pharyngitis It is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils caused by Group A streptococci, most often affecting children and adolescents. Although it can occur at any time of the year, the incidence of streptococci is highest between December and April.

So while it’s normal to see an increase in strep throat in late winter and early spring, this season was the worst in a long time. We’re seeing cases and reporting anecdotally,” Dr. John Torres, NBC’s senior medical correspondent, told the TODAY show during a segment that aired on April 12.

One pediatrician said the streptococcal levels he saw this spring were twice as high as in the worst year. “I’ve been working in infectious diseases and pediatrics for 30 years, and I’ve never seen anything this bad,” said Dr. Greg DeMuri, a pediatric infectious disease physician at UW Health Kids in Madison, Wisconsin, who previously told TODAY.com.

Streptococcus can cause various diseases

Although the most commonly affected age group is children between the ages of 5 and 15, experts say strep throat is more common among young children and infants and can present with mild or unusual symptoms. TODAY.com previously reported that

CDC has also been monitoring an increase in cases of a rare and severe form of streptococcus called invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS) since last fall. December, agency issued a health advisory Warned of the increase in these rare infections among both adults and children, multiple childhood deaths Reported from 2022.

Group A streptococcal bacteria can cause a variety of illnesses, from strep throat to skin infections. Invasive streptococci occur when bacteria enter parts of the body that are not normally affected, such as the bloodstream. This can lead to rare and potentially life-threatening illnesses such as: cannibalism Or streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.

Common streptococcal symptoms include a sore or itchy throat, fever, pain when swallowing, red or swollen tonsils, headaches, and body aches. For example, it spreads to people through respiratory droplets produced by coughing and talking. Per Mayo Clinic.

However, in children under 3 years of age, streptococcal infections rarely present as a sore throat. According to the CDC — In this age group, it usually causes low-grade fever, nasal congestion and runny nose. Some doctors say these less common conditions are becoming more prevalent in children these days, making early detection and diagnosis more difficult.

Streptococcus is usually diagnosed using a rapid streptococcal test or a streptococcal culture, both of which should be managed by a healthcare provider.

Why is this year’s strep season so bad?

Experts say a possible reason for this spring’s surge in streptococcal infections is that people are being exposed to more germs after being protected by COVID-19 restrictions in the past two years. .

What we are now seeing is that streptococcal infections are following a similar trajectory to: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenzafell dramatically in 2020-2021, before surged above normal pre-pandemic levels this fall.

“Part of it was in the middle of a pandemic, with everyone wearing masks (distancing) and practicing good hygiene (hands), so it was the lowest level of streptococcus I’ve seen in a long time.” Regan said.

Now that people, especially school children, are being exposed to these viruses and bacteria again, infections have returned to pre-pandemic levels or even higher.

Streptococci are treated with antibiotics such as penicillin and amoxicillin, but supplies are currently in short supply in the United States due to increased demand. Previously reported TODAY show.

Lack of medicine for pharyngitis

Drug shortages apply only to liquid versions of amoxicillin for children. American Academy of Pediatrics It published recommendations for alternative therapies, such as crushed amoxicillin tablets or capsules, or second-line antibiotics.

If streptococcal pharyngitis is left untreated, a person can remain contagious for up to two weeks, and the infection can lead to serious complications such as the ears and throat. sinus infectionabscesses, rheumatic fever, kidney problems, According to the CDC.

Pediatricians recommend that parents have their children tested if they experience symptoms of strep throat or have been in direct contact with someone who has recently tested positive for strep throat.