Increased burden of invasive group A streptococcal disease among Australian children, 2023–2024: a prospective cohort study

Global rates of invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) disease surged from September 2022, exceeding pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, showing atypical seasonality and disproportionately affecting children. We previously described the epidemiology of iGAS among Australian children from mid-2018 to end 2022 using data from the Paediatric Active Enhanced Diseases network and here provide updated clinical epidemiology for 2023 and 2024 to help inform public health strategies.

Citation:
Abo YN, Oliver J, McMinn A, …… Blyth CC, Francis JR, et al. Increased burden of invasive group A streptococcal disease among Australian children, 2023–2024: a prospective cohort study. Lancet Reg Health West Pac. 2026;69.

Keywords:
Bacteraemia; Epidemiology; Invasive group A Streptococcus; Sepsis; Streptococcus pyogenes; Viruses

Abstract:
Global rates of invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) disease surged from September 2022, exceeding pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, showing atypical seasonality and disproportionately affecting children. We previously described the epidemiology of iGAS among Australian children from mid-2018 to end 2022 using data from the Paediatric Active Enhanced Diseases network and here provide updated clinical epidemiology for 2023 and 2024 to help inform public health strategies.