Instances of invasive pneumococcal disease are on the upswing in Alberta, Canada, and some health specialists are worried that similar occurrences might be observed in specific states across the United States.
The culprit behind these life-threatening illnesses is a bacterium known as Streptococcus pneumoniae. Health authorities stress that this bacterium typically strikes individuals following viral infections, as reported by CBC CA News.
With around 100 different strains, these bacteria can inhabit the respiratory tract, with many remaining asymptomatic. However, mild infections may manifest as middle ear infections.
Yet, if the infection progresses invasively, individuals may develop severe health complications such as sepsis, meningitis, and pneumonia.
Addressing the issue, Dr. Jim Kellner, an infectious disease specialist from the University of Calgary, remarked, “We’ve seen an increase in cases across all age groups and at rates higher than I’ve ever witnessed. The sustained high numbers this year are troubling.”
Sharp Increase in Invasive Pneumococcal Disease Cases in Canada!
In 2023, instances of invasive pneumococcal disease soared to 812, following a significant decline in 2020 and 2021 from 481 cases reported in 2018. Health authorities note a concurrent rise in cases linked to invasive group A streptococcus during this period in Canada.
Moreover, hospital admissions attributable to invasive pneumococcal disease rose from 398 to 681 over a five-year span. Official reports also indicate an increase in deaths from 42 to 62.
Alongside rising case numbers, health experts in Alberta highlight a corresponding increase in hospitalizations and mortality rates. Notably, the majority of severe cases last year occurred among adults, with 44 out of 681 hospitalized individuals under the age of 18. Among the deceased, two were children, according to CBC News.
Dr. Sam Wong, a pediatrician at Edmonton’s Stollery Children’s Hospital and president of the pediatrics section of the Alberta Medical Association, expressed concern, stating, “Any uptick in infectious disease numbers is troubling.”
Wong added, “Draining over a liter of fluid from a five-year-old — that’s a significant amount. Subsequently, they deteriorate, necessitating intubation, ventilation support, and blood pressure support.”
Mortality Rates for Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in Calgary
Dr. Kellner provided the following mortality rates for invasive pneumococcal disease in the Calgary area:
- Children (under 18): 3 percent
- Adults (over 18): 10 percent
- Seniors (over 65): 15 percent
- Over 85: 25 percent
He emphasized, “Despite being a treatable disease with antibiotics, severe cases of invasive pneumococcal disease still carry a significant mortality rate.”