With nine confirmed cases already this year, streptococcal infections, particularly group A, are on the rise in the Northwest Territories, according to the territory’s health authorities.
Since the start of 2024, there have already been as many cases as the annual average, and one person has died from infection, according to the office of the NWT’s chief medical health officer, Kami Kandola.
Nearly half of the cases were reported in May, according to Dr. Kandola.
“It’s over a short period of time. So, we are vigilant, she said. There are no links [entre ces cas]. The only trend I see is that it’s the same thing everywhere in Canada. »
Group A streptococcal infections can cause mild symptoms, such as a sore throat, skin infections, or scarlet fever, which are treated with antibiotics.
The more invasive form of the infection, although rarer, can cause serious illnesses such as toxic shock syndrome, sepsis or cervical inflammation. This type of infection occurs when group A bacteria enter the skin or come into contact with the blood.
“I thought I was going to die!” »
It was because of this rare type of infection that Wilfred Simon of Fort Resolution almost lost his leg.
In February, the 69-year-old visited his daughter in the community to do some plumbing work. He then washed his hands, and later that evening, scratched his leg. I scratched, and it bled, he said.
He woke up feeling unwell and feverish the next day. He went to the local clinic, then was rushed to Yellowknife Hospital, where he was diagnosed with flesh-eating bacteria, one of the group A streptococcal infections.
Wilfred Simon spent nine days in a coma and had to undergo five leg operations and skin grafts. “I thought I was going to die,” he said.
Dr. Kandola says this type of serious infection is very rare, but NWT health professionals have been told to be on the lookout for any symptoms consistent with a streptococcal infection.
Kami Kandola also recommends that the public remain alert and consult a health professional if they experience symptoms such as a sore throat or fever.
People who feel unwell and have a painful or swollen infected wound should seek medical attention immediately.
“If you have a skin infection or a throat infection that seems more serious, you should seek medical attention to determine that you do not have a streptococcal infection, get treatment quickly, and prevent transmission,” concludes. Kami Kandola.
With information from Joanne Stassen and Lauren Pelley
