Increase in invasive group A streptococcal infection notifications, England, 2022

Increases in invasive group A streptococcal ( iGAS) infection and associated deaths, particularly in children, above seasonally expected levels are being seen this season (772 notifications reported in weeks 37 to 48 in 2022) across England. Diagnoses of iGAS infection from lower respiratory tract specimens in children under 15 years increased to 28% in November 2022. Medical practitioners have been alerted to the exceptional increase in incidence, including unusual numbers of children presenting with pulmonary empyema.

Automated summary

There has been an increase in invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infection and associated deaths, especially in children, exceeding seasonally expected levels in England (772 notifications reported in weeks 37 to 48 in 2022). Diagnoses of iGAS infection from lower respiratory tract specimens in children under 15 years increased to 28% in November 2022. Medical practitioners have been alerted to the exceptional rise in incidence, including unusual numbers of children presenting with pulmonary empyema.