A new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that group A strep infections are more than twice as common in Massachusetts as they were a decade ago. The bacteria causes serious illnesses like necrotizing fasciitis, also known as flesh-eating disease, and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.
Over 21,000 patients with group A strep infections were tracked across 10 states with a combined population of 35 million. The study found the incidence of group A strep increased from 3.6 to 8.2 per 100,000 population over nine years. Adults aged 65 and older, Indigenous peoples, residents of long-term care facilities, people experiencing homelessness, and those who inject drugs are at highest risk.
If left untreated, group A strep infections can cause “very rapid deterioration” within 24 to 48 hours, leading to severe illness or death. The CDC is calling for accelerated efforts to prevent and control infections in high-risk populations. The study attributes the rise in cases to factors such as rising obesity and diabetes rates among older adults, increased IV drug use, and a growing population of people experiencing homelessness.
A vaccine against group A strep infections is urgently needed due to antibiotic resistance. However, top vaccine scientists are leaving the Food and Drug Administration, which has raised concerns about vaccine development.
Source: https://patch.com/massachusetts/across-ma/invasive-strep-infection-spiking-study-warns-what-know-ma