Death-causing strep infections have surged at a significantly dangerous level which requires immediate advances in vaccine development and strengthened public health protocols.
United States: The Journal of the American Medical Association published findings which validate that invasive group A strep infections leading to bloodstream and lung infections are growing in frequency alongside increased dangers for Americans.
The number of individuals affected by these infections reached 4 out of every 100,000 people in 2013. In 2022 the infection rates reached 8 cases for each 100,000 people marking a 100% hike from previous levels per data published by NBC News and HealthDay.
Deadly Strains Can Turn Rapidly Fatal
Strep bacteria classified as dangerous can develop into lethal conditions that result in toxic shock syndrome and necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease). Dr. Victor Nizet from UC San Diego informs that patients experience flu-like symptoms at first but the disease quickly intensifies during a 24 to 48 hour period.
Dr. Anil Noren, lead author of the research, noted that ICU-level hospitalization is frequently required.
21,000+ Cases, Nearly 2,000 Deaths
CDC surveillance across 10 states covering 35 million people showed:
- 1,082 cases in 2013
- 2,759 cases in 2022
- 21,121 total infections and nearly 1,972 deaths over the period
- Extrapolated nationally, the U.S. may have experienced over 10,000 related deaths.
Vulnerable Groups Hit the Hardest
According to Dr. Christopher Gregory of the CDC, everyone is at risk, but certain groups are being hit much harder:
Older adults (65+)
People with diabetes or obesity
People who inject drugs
Individuals experiencing homelessness — with an infection rate of 807 per 100,000, one of the highest ever recorded globally
Strains Are Evolving and Resisting Treatment
Researchers are alarmed by new, more aggressive strep strains. These are now causing both skin and throat infections—and are becoming resistant to antibiotics such as macrolides and clindamycin, limiting treatment options.
What About Children?
Though the data doesn’t show a large increase in child infections overall, clinicians are reporting more severe and unusual pediatric cases, especially necrotizing fasciitis, said Dr. Allison Eckard of the Medical University of South Carolina.
“This feels like more than a coincidence,” she said. “Something is changing nationally.”
More Research Urgently Needed
Medical experts stress the need for ongoing research to understand how and why strep pathogens are evolving into more dangerous and resistant forms.
A Vaccine Could Save Lives—but It’s Delayed
Despite the increasing threat, vaccine development is lagging. According to the study, recent organizational shifts at the FDA and CDC may be hindering progress, as reported by HealthDay.
“The lack of a vaccine is devastating,” said Dr. Nizet. “There’s growing concern that internal changes are slowing down the momentum we desperately need.”