Public health in Canada has recorded a record number of potentially deadly streptococcal infections, especially among children under the age of 15, with at least six children having died in Ontario.

A spokesperson for the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) said in an email statement to CTVNews.ca: "Early laboratory data indicate that group A streptococcal disease activity in 2023 was higher compared to pre-Corona pandemic years, especially in children under 15 years old." 

Since January 9, the PHAC National Microbiology Laboratory has recorded more than 4600 cases in 2023, the highest annual total ever recorded in Canada and an increase of more than 40 percent over a previous peak in 2019. According to public health, streptococci are endemic in the country, with 2000 to 3000 cases reported annually in recent years.

The public health spokesperson explained: "The previous peak occurred in 2019, with 3,236 isolates submitted," and the largest increases were in children under 15 years old."

Infections caused by group A streptococcal bacteria are usually mild and cause throat infections, which can usually be treated with antibiotics, while more severe infections may be fatal but are less common.

Streptococcal bacteria occur when the bacteria cause a deeper infection, as in the blood, leading to infections such as pneumonia, necrotizing fasciitis, or even toxic shock syndrome, which is when the bacteria produce toxins that cause organ failure.

According to an American study, nearly one in ten people die from streptococcal infections, and serious outcomes can include amputation and major organ damage.

A report issued by Public Health Ontario on January 11 indicated that 48 people have died from infections in the province since October, including 23 people aged 65 or older and six children under the age of nine.

Provinces such as British Columbia and Manitoba have also reported a recent increase in cases.

Dr. David Fisman is a physician and epidemiologist, as well as a professor at the University of Toronto's School of Public Health. Fisman says viral infections like Covid, influenza, and RSV can make people more susceptible to subsequent bacterial infections like Strep, which can drive new cases.

He added, "It seems they do this by killing some immune defenses in the upper airway, paving the way for bacterial infection." Canadians should be adequately well aware of this, as invasive streptococcal infections (unlike 'strep throat') are serious and life-threatening infections."

Health officials say you should seek medical care if you think you have a group A streptococcal infection. Initial symptoms may include fever, sore throat, and mild skin infections like rash, sores, and blisters. Streptococcal bacteria can be transmitted through direct contact with infected skin wounds, or from fluids in the nose and throat that can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

"Antibiotics are used to treat invasive and non-invasive streptococcal diseases." "Early treatment may make symptoms less severe or prevent more serious complications."