Public Health in Sudbury monitoring rising invasive Strep A cases

CTV National News: N.B. man dies from strep A The family of a New Brunswick man who died after testing for Group A strep is warning others to go get checked. Sarah Plowman has more.

The number of Canadians contracting invasive Group A Streptococcus (or Strep A) infections is climbing this season.

Health officials everywhere are closely monitoring their local cases, including in Greater Sudbury.

According to Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) symptoms like sore throat, flu-like symptoms, fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea or vomiting could show up before the infection becomes invasive Group A Streptococcal disease.

“Invasive Group A streptococcal disease will have more severe symptoms, and could include trouble breathing or skin breakdown with swelling, severe pain,” said public health promoter Afzaa Rajabali.

“It could also cause fever associated with an unusual drop in blood pressure. And nausea and vomiting.”

PHSD reports two confirmed cases so far this year. There were 53 cases of Strep A last year, including three deaths. During the pandemic years, those numbers were 30 – 40 cases per year. That compares to just 25 cases per year pre-pandemic.

Public Health Ontario reported 540 cases in the last three months of 2023, with three-quarters of those being hospitalized.

Health officials across the province are being warned to expect an increasing trend.

“The rise is likely associated with the rise in the circulation of respiratory viruses including influenza or RSV,” Rajabali said.

There is no vaccine to prevent Strep A, but public health officials recommend good hand hygiene, especially after coughing or sneezing and before preparing food or eating.