Increasing Incidence of Serious Head and Neck Infections among Children in the United States, 2018-2023

Area of Science:

• Pediatric infectious diseases
• Epidemiology
• Public health

Background:

• A notable increase in serious head and neck infections among children under 18 has been observed since 2021.
• This rise contrasts with stable incidence rates in adults during the same period.
• The specific causes driving this pediatric trend are currently unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the recent increase in pediatric head and neck infections.
• To compare pediatric infection trends with those in adults.
• To emphasize the need for further etiological investigation.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of infection incidence data.
• Comparison of pediatric (<18 years) and adult populations.
• Temporal analysis from 2018 to 2023, focusing on post-2021 trends.

Main Results:

• Significant increase in serious head and neck infections in children post-2021.
• Stable incidence of these infections in adults from 2018-2023.
• No significant change observed in nontransmissible osteomyelitis in adults.

Conclusions:

• A distinct and concerning rise in pediatric head and neck infections has occurred.
• The etiology of this increase in children warrants urgent and thorough investigation.
• Understanding the drivers is crucial for public health interventions.