Ministry of Health
Incidence of scarlet fever and streptococcus group A in Multiple countries
Note on epidemic events abroad
At least, five Member States of the European Region have reported to the WHO an increase in cases of invasive group A streptococcus disease (iGAS) and in some cases also of
scarlet fever. An increase in iGAS-related deaths has also been reported in some of these countries.Children under 10 are the most affected age group.
Group A streptococcus (GAS) infection commonly causes mild diseases such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, impetigo, cellulitis, and scarlet fever. However, in rare cases, GAS infection can lead to invasive disease, which can have life-threatening consequences.
The observed increase may reflect an earlier start of the season of GAS infections, along with an increased circulation of respiratory viruses and possible viral co-infections that may increase the risk of invasive GAS disease. This is facilitated by the increase in population movements following a period of reduced circulation of GAS during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Given the moderate increase in iGAS cases, the endemicity of GAS, the identification of no new type of M gene sequence and no reports of increased antibiotic resistance, WHO estimates that the risk to the general population posed by iGAS infections is currently low.
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Source — https://www.univadis.it/viewarticle/incidenza-di-scarlattina-e-streptococco-gruppo-a-in-piu-paesi