Group A Strep Infections Have Increased Nationally

The CDC reported a rise in strep throat and scarlet fever as students returned to classrooms across the country.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in COVID-19

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a medical swab and glass transport tube, representing seasonal health monitoring. — The CDC has reported an increase in group A streptococcal infections as children across the United States return to classrooms this fall. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an uptick in group A strep infections as children returned to school. Emergency department visits for strep throat and scarlet fever have risen alongside national increases in rhinovirus and enterovirus infections.

Why it matters

Strep infections typically follow a seasonal pattern, seeing a rise as children return to school after the summer months. Respiratory infection activity is expected to continue building as the nation moves into the winter season.

Group A strep accounts for 20% to 30% of sore throats in children and 5% to 15% in adults. Clinical guidance allows children to return to school after 12 hours of antibiotic treatment if they appear well.

The players

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

This federal agency operates under the Department of Health and Human Services and serves as the national public health institute of the United States.

The details

Clinicians typically confirm these infections using rapid strep tests that provide results in minutes. In pediatric cases, medical providers may follow up with throat cultures if an initial rapid test returns a negative result.

Invasive group A strep cases doubled in 10 states between 2013 and 2022.
The CDC released an update on rising group A strep infections on September 18, 2026.
Respiratory infection activity is expected to build heading into the winter season.

The Big Picture

The current rise in infections follows the trend of increased invasive cases observed by the CDC in the 2013-2022 surveillance data. This ongoing monitoring helps public health officials track the evolution of bacterial pathogens and their impact on community health.

Parents should monitor children for symptoms, which typically appear two to five days after exposure to the bacteria. If a child is diagnosed, they may return to school after 12 hours of antibiotic treatment, provided they look and feel well.

The takeaway

Maintaining good hygiene and following antibiotic protocols remain the primary ways to limit the spread of bacterial infections in schools. Early testing helps ensure children receive timely care and can safely return to their regular activities.