Increase in invasive group A streptococcal (Streptococcus pyogenes) infections (iGAS) in young children in the Netherlands, 2022

Euro Surveill. 2023 Jan;28(1):2200941. doi: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2023.28.1.2200941.

Abstract

In 2022, a sevenfold increase in the number of notifiable invasive Streptococcus pyogenes (iGAS) infections among children aged 0-5 years was observed in the Netherlands compared with pre-COVID-19 pandemic years. Of 42 cases in this age group, seven had preceding or coinciding varicella zoster infections, nine were fatal. This increase is not attributable to a specific emm type. Vigilance for clinical deterioration as iGAS sign is warranted in young children, especially those with varicella zoster infection.

Keywords: Streptococcus pyogenes; iGAS; varicella.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • COVID-19*
  • Chickenpox*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Herpes Zoster*
  • Humans
  • Netherlands / epidemiology
  • Pandemics
  • Streptococcal Infections* / diagnosis
  • Streptococcal Infections* / epidemiology
  • Streptococcus pyogenes