Colorado officials warn of ‘group A’ stress after 2 children die

DENVER (CDPHE press release) – The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is monitoring an increase in pediatric hospitalizations caused by group A strep. Group A strep is a bacteria that can cause many different infections. As the Department has tracked recent increases in other illnesses, CDPHE is working with hospital partners in a coordination role to ensure resources are available for those who need them.

There have been 11 reported cases of invasive group A strep in children since Nov. 1, 2022, in the Denver metro area where invasive group A strep is a reportable condition by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Emerging Infections Program. Recent cases are between 10 months and 6 years old, but anyone of any age can contract group A strep. The CDPHE is aware of two deaths among these cases. Both were young children who were not yet of school age. The official cause of death has not been finalized by a coroner or medical examiner. The last reported death of a pediatric patient with group A strep in Colorado was in 2018.

Group A strep usually causes sore throat, a common, mild condition that can be easily treated. Although rare, invasive group A streptococcal infections are serious and cause conditions such as pneumonia, sepsis, toxic shock syndrome, and a serious skin and tissue infection called necrotizing fasciitis. An invasive infection occurs when bacteria such as group A streptococci travel beyond the throat or skin, where they are likely to cause a mild infection, and enter the bloodstream, lungs, fluid spinal cord or other places inside the body where they don’t usually live. .

“Although they remain rare, the CDPHE is seeing invasive group A streptococcal infections in Colorado that are causing severe illness,” said CDPHE state epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy. “There is no vaccine for group A strep, but keeping up to date on vaccines for COVID-19, influenza and chicken pox can help protect your child from developing complications from a strep infection. group A strep. Stay home when sick and practice good hand hygiene – wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol containing at least 60% alcohol and avoid touching your face. Call your child’s doctor if he has new or worsening symptoms of an illness.

In addition to a sore throat, symptoms of group A strep may include fever and chills, or new rashes, skin bumps, or red patches of skin that may be painful. Some serious group A streptococcal infections can occur as a complication of common respiratory infections like RSV, influenza, or COVID-19. People should call their child’s health care provider immediately if they develop new or worsening symptoms during their respiratory infection. Early treatment is essential so that initial group A strep infections remain mild and do not progress to more serious illnesses that they can cause.

The CDPHE is also investigating an increase in reports of other serious or invasive bacterial infections in children, including those due to Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Cases of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), a serious infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, have also increased in Colorado since November 1. IPD can also be a complication or secondary infection following common respiratory viral infections such as COVID-19, influenza, or RSV. There are vaccines for the prevention of IPDs which are recommended for children and adults, and CDPHE encourages Coloradans to ensure that they and their children remain up to date on all recommended vaccinations.

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