Increase in invasive strep throat-inducing bacteria affecting youth: BCCDC

Families in B.C. are being warned of a spike in the bacteria that causes strep throat, which the BC Centre for Disease Control says is affecting children the most.

There have been 51 cases in people under the age of 20 in 2023, more than twice as expected. In 2022, there were only 20 cases in the age group.

“We’ve seen more than a doubling of cases,” said Monika Naus with the BCCDC.

The bacteria typically causes mild illnesses such as strep throat or skin infection, which are often cured with antibiotics.

However, the BCCDC says these infections do have the potential to lead to pneumonia or sepsis, which can include life-threatening conditions such as toxic shock syndrome or flesh-eating disease.

People already pre-disposed to a chronic illness or people using medications such as steroids, are also at higher risk.

The BCCDC says serious infections remain extremely rare, but parents should be aware of concerning symptoms, especially if their child has just experienced a viral respiratory illness.

“We just want people to be aware that if a child is getting worse, not better, including after a viral respiratory infection, that they just need to keep a very close eye on them,” Naus said.

Signs of severe infections include a fever for more than five days, a fever accompanied by a rash, difficulty breathing, pale skin and lips, drowsiness and rapidly developing sickness.

If your child is experiencing these symptoms, the BCCDC says medical care should be sought immediately.

Infections of this bacteria have been rising in B.C. since 2016, when there were about 300 cases reported in total in B.C. This year, there have been about 550 cases across all ages in B.C. to date.

-With files from Srushti Gangdev