Varicella‐Associated Invasive Group A Streptococcal Disease in Alberta, Canada—2000–2002

Abstract
We determined the incidence of invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) disease among children ⩽14 years of age in Alberta, Canada, with a focus on infections associated with varicella. During 2000–2002, there were 71 cases of invasive GAS disease among patients in this age group. Fourteen cases occurred in children with varicella (19.7%), for an annual incidence of 0.73 varicella-associated cases per 100,000 children. Necrotizing fasciitis was not noted in patients with invasive GAS disease and varicella.