Australian health officials have sounded an alarm over a rise in rare COVID-mimicking bacterial infections that can cause disability and death.
Cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) and invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS) have been increasing over recent weeks, according to NSW Health.
Rates of IMD were above average across the state as 2022 drew to a close while iGAS cases have increased in Australia and overseas.
Health Protection NSW executive director Dr Richard Broome said it was important the community be aware that while these illnesses were rare, they were severe enough to possibly cause permanent disability or death.
These infections sometimes mimicked symptoms of COVID-19 or influenza in their early stages, and could occur at the same time as a viral infection, Broome said….