As of December 15, public health had listed four cases, in addition to the two children two years old or younger who have died. Between 2017 and 2021, there has never been more than one case per year in Montreal.
According to the investigations that have been carried out, no epidemiological link has been found between the cases reported in Montreal. Public health therefore calls on health professionals to remain attentive to symptoms compatible with streptococcus, especially in children.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also warned that France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom have all seen an increase in the number of invasive group A strep infections. in the last few weeks.
Usually mild
According to’OMS, this increase in infections among children in Europe is probably linked to the very intense circulation of respiratory viruses, such as seasonal flu and respiratory syncytial virus. These viruses can increase the risk of infection with invasive group A streptococcus, the organization said.
According to the Government of Canada, group A streptococci are bacteria that commonly cause mild illnesses such as throat infections or sinusitis.
More rarely, some so-called infections invasive
can cause more serious illness, such as pneumonia, flesh-eating bacteria infection, or toxic shock syndrome. Some of these situations can lead to fatalities.
Last summer, four people died following an outbreak of invasive infections among residents of a West Island private seniors’ residence.
