Invasive Strep Throat Cases More Than Double Across the U.S., CDC Warns

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a concerning rise in cases of an invasive strain of group A Streptococcus (GAS), the bacteria responsible for strep throat and more serious infections. Findings published in JAMA reveal that the incidence of invasive GAS infections more than doubled in the U.S. between 2013 and 2022, climbing from 3.6 to 8.2 cases per 100,000 people.

This surge has been noted in multiple states, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Tennessee. Vulnerable populations such as residents of long-term care facilities, the homeless, and injection drug users have been disproportionately affected.

While seniors aged 65 and older show the highest rates of infection, the sharpest increases occurred among adults aged 18 to 64, underscoring the expansive reach of this threat. The CDC study stresses the need for accelerated efforts to curb the spread, especially among high-risk groups.

GAS is commonly known for causing mild illnesses like strep throat and impetigo, but invasive forms can lead to life-threatening conditions such as sepsis, necrotizing fasciitis, and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Over 21,000 invasive cases were identified, translating into more than 20,000 hospitalizations and nearly 2,000 deaths. The most frequent complication was bacteremic cellulitis, followed by septic shock and pneumonia.

Experts point out that this uptick follows the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have weakened immune defenses and obscured timely diagnosis. Pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Joshua Osowicki from Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne highlighted the unpredictable and severe nature of invasive GAS diseases globally, reflecting a worrying trend that spans hemispheres.

Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, emphasized that early intervention is crucial since this infection can easily be mistaken for something less dangerous. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine yet available, a gap that leaves socioeconomically disadvantaged groups particularly vulnerable amid the opioid crisis and substance use challenges.

The infection’s link with injection drug use — notably IV fentanyl — adds another layer to the ongoing public health difficulties. In children, strep throat cases reached record highs in 2023, surpassing previous peaks despite a pandemic-related dip.

Health professionals recommend standard precautions to curb transmission: frequent hand washing, avoiding sharing personal items, and covering coughs and sneezes. Those diagnosed with strep throat should stay home until fever-free and after completing at least 24 hours of antibiotic treatment to prevent spread and complications.

As the CDC continues to monitor the situation, public awareness and preventive measures remain key to controlling this unsettling rise. If anything, this resurgence reminds us that some bugs refuse to stay in the shadows—even after a global pandemic has stolen the spotlight.