On Monday, the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) cautioned that Europe should be vigilant against severe infections caused by group A Streptococcus in children below 10 years of age.

They added that it is high time to raise awareness about these infections in European countries, which have been on the rise since September. In a joint statement, both agencies added that it is a critical step in a time of rising respiratory illnesses such as RSV and seasonal influenza.

Streptococcus infection, which typically causes mild illnesses such as sore throat, headache, and fever, can also result in invasive Group A Streptococcus disease (iGAS).