The Lancet first published this paper, based on unique NCMD data, which looks at the epidemiology and clinical profile of Group A Strep infections in winter 2022.
Following low incidence of invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections during the COVID-19 pandemic, marked increases were noted in many countries during 2022, particularly in children. In November 2022, severe presentations of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), including empyema, were notified by clinicians across the UK. UKHSA investigated this rise with the aim of informing clinical management and public health response.
This study uses the NCMD’s unique data, among other datasets, to look at the demographics of 147 infected children as well as their symptoms, the progress of the condition and medical outcomes. It highlights the need for earlier detection and identification of effective measures to prevent death.
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