As various countries continue to report high levels of invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections — which cause severe illness, and in rare cases death within days — Canadian physicians are also raising alarms over a rise in serious cases this season.
The infections are linked to a common, often-harmless bacteria known as group A streptococcus. Usually it’s known for milder illnesses like strep throat or scarlet fever, which are typically treated with antibiotics.
But when bacteria enter the blood or deep tissue, people can develop more invasive, life-threatening conditions such as necrotizing fasciitis or toxic shock syndrome. In those dire cases,
