Epidemiological update - Invasive disease caused by group A streptococci - 21 June 2024

Generally, group A streptococci cause mild illnesses such as tonsillitis and pharyngitis; rarely, they can cause severe infections, such as necrotizing fasciitis, bacteremia, septic arthritis, puerperal endometritis, or pneumonia. Approximately one third of these invasive infections are complicated by streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.

In this update, the situation of select countries in the Region of the Americas is described.