Canada's public health agency has logged a record number of potentially deadly strep A infections, particularly in children under the age of 15. At least six children have died in Ontario.

"Early laboratory data indicates that [invasive group A streptococcus] disease activity in 2023 was higher compared to pre-pandemic years, particularly in children under 15 years of age," a Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) spokesperson said in an emailed statement shared with CTVNews.ca.

As of Jan. 9, PHAC's National Microbiology Laboratory has logged more than 4,600 cases from 2023, which is the highest annual total ever recorded in Canada. According to PHAC, invasive group A streptococcus is endemic in the country, with 2,000 to 3,000 cases reported annually in recent years