Argentina's Strep A Crisis: 93 Dead, 643 Cases with 15% Fatality Rate

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Following reports of a marked increase in invasive group A streptococcal disease cases and deaths in Argentina, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued a notice yesterday advising neighboring nations to step up their surveillance for associated infections.

According to The University of Minnesota, Argentina had documented 487 instances as of November 6, 78 of which were fatal. Children under the age of sixteen were involved in almost half of the cases and over one-third of the deaths.

As of now, there are 93 deaths and 643 cases throughout the country. An epidemiologic bulletin concerning an M1UK strain and a hypervirulent M1 sublineage has been released by officials.

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In order to better understand the frequency, distribution, and genetic lineages of Streptococcus pyogenes, they are also intensifying their surveillance for noninvasive cases, including mild ones.

According to PAHO, Argentina's actions come after reports of comparable occurrences in Uruguay during the same time period as well as an upsurge in invasive group A strep and scarlet fever cases in Europe in 2022.

In addition to implementing heightened monitoring, PAHO recommended that nations undertake genomic surveillance and ensure prompt detection and treatment of affected individuals.