Increases in Group A Streptococcal Infections in the Pediatric Population in Houston, Texas, 2022

Beginning in October 2022, we observed a substantial increase in the total number of cases of invasive group A Streptococcus (GAS) disease in the pediatric population in Houston, Texas. Emm12 GAS strains were disproportionately represented but the overall proportion of invasive GAS infections observed during the current spike was similar to prepandemic years.

Automated summary

Starting from October 2022, there has been a notable rise in the number of cases of invasive group A Streptococcus (GAS) disease among children in Houston, Texas. The prevalence of Emm12 GAS strains was disproportionately higher, but the overall proportion of invasive GAS infections during the current surge remains similar to pre-pandemic years.