Sweden Battles Record High Invasive Streptococcus Infections
Amid a sharp increase, Sweden confronts unprecedented levels of invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infections, raising public health concerns.
Cameron Jordan
- 2023-12-28
- Updated 09:42 AM ET
(NewsNibs) - During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, measures like handwashing and social distancing led to a decrease in many infectious diseases. Circumstances changed drastically for Sweden in 2023, with a surging number of iGAS cases. The country reported 377 cases in 2020 and a significant decrease to 156 in 2021. In contrast, 2022 saw a rise back to 374 cases, but 2023 has marked an alarming increase, with 1,244 cases of iGAS as of December 17 – the highest annual number since records began.
Immunity at Risk?
The infection rates for 2023 significantly surpass those noted even in pre-pandemic years of 2018 and 2019, pointing to an extraordinary escalation in occurrences. State epidemiologist and professor Magnus Gisslén offers a possible catalyst for 2023's stark rise, suggesting that the stringent measures to prevent COVID-19 exposure might have unexpectedly paved the way for lowered general immunity in the population. This decreased exposure to a variety of bacteria and viruses could have weakened the public's defense against infections like iGAS, which are known to cause a range of symptoms from mild sore throats to severe, sometimes fatal conditions.
The Human Cost
Despite medical advancements, Sweden's battle with iGAS has taken a severe human toll. By November 15, 2023, there were 99 deaths, including six children under the age of ten. The mortality rate hovers around 10%, bringing the severity of these infections to stark reality. No vaccine is currently available to prevent iGAS, which renders the situation particularly perilous; however, timely and effective treatments can be administered to those affected, emphasizing the importance of rapid medical response.
As Sweden grapples with this invasive pathogen's unprecedented spread, healthcare professionals are emphasizing the importance of maintaining vigilance and access to care, particularly in light of the population's potentially compromised immunity post-pandemic and the absence of a preventative vaccine. The pronounced increase in iGAS cases in 2023 stands as a stern reminder of the intricate balance between disease prevention and maintaining a resilient immune system in the face of emerging health threats.