Group A Steptococcus

What is Group A Streptococcus?

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a germ (bacterium) that is often found in the nose, throat, and/or skin of healthy people. GAS disease may occur when bacteria get into parts of the body where bacteria usually are not found, such as the blood, muscle or the lungs. These infections are termed "invasive GAS disease."

What kinds of illnesses are caused by group A streptococcal infection?

Infection with GAS can result in a range of symptoms:

• No illness
• Mild illness (strep throat or a skin infection such as impetigo)
• Severe illness (necrotizing fasciitis, meningitis, or streptococcal toxic shock syndrome)

What are the early signs and symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis, meningitis, and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS)?

Early signs and symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis:

• Severe pain and swelling, often rapidly increasing
• Fever
• Redness at a wound site

Early signs and symptoms of meningitis:

• Fever
• Severe pain on movement of the neck
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Early signs and symptoms of STSS:

• Fever
• Abrupt onset of generalized or localized severe pain, often in an arm or leg
• Dizziness
• Influenza-like syndrome
• Confusion
• A flat, red rash over large areas of the body (only occurs in 10% of cases)

What precautions can be taken to prevent the spread of infections, including invasive GAS disease?

• Practice frequent and thorough hand hygiene.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve.
• Wounds and cuts should be well cleansed and covered.

For more information, call KFL&A Public Health at 613-549-1232 or 1-800-267-7875 and ask for the Communicable Disease nurse on call.

Revised: 2014-02-06