Opinion: Invasive strep A: bad in affluent countries, far worse in low-income nations
The deaths of nearly 30 children under the age of 15 years from invasive strep A infections in the United Kingdom between September 2022 and January 2023, together with a rise in new invasive strep A infections in that country, made headlines around the world. In Kenya, about 100 children aged 5 and younger died from invasive strep A infections over the same period — which did not make headlines.
Group A Streptococcus bacteria, also known as strep A, are responsible for mild infections such as sore throat, impetigo, and scarlet fever. They also cause more serious invasive diseases like bloodstream infections, toxic shock syndrome, and necrotizing fasciitis, the so-called flesh-eating disease. Infection with strep A bacteria can also trigger lifelong autoimmune diseases like rheumatic heart disease.
