Why deadly, invasive strep A infections are surging in Canada and beyond

Rates of invasive, potentially deadly strep A infections were quietly rising in Canada pre-pandemic. Then, in 2023, the country hit a new record. Scientists suspect a complex set of factors could be fuelling the rise of this fearsome bacterial infection.

Why deadly, invasive strep A infections are surging in Canada and beyond
Spots of streptococcus bacteria spread across a yellow background, as seen under a microscope.

Rates of invasive, potentially deadly strep A infections were quietly rising in Canada pre-pandemic. Then, in 2023, the country hit a new record. Scientists suspect a complex set of factors could be fuelling the rise of this fearsome bacterial infection.