Invasive group A streptococcus is a bacterial infection. It can cause serious illness such as sepsis, meningitis, toxic shock syndrome and necrotising fasciitis. People with symptoms should seek medical care early.
Invasive group A streptococcal disease (iGAS) is caused by infection with group A Streptococcus (Strep A) bacteria. Strep A bacteria generally cause mild disease such as sore throats (strep throat) and skin sores (impetigo); however, it can also cause iGAS. iGAS is a severe disease which includes infection of the blood (sepsis), meningitis and pneumonia.
It may also cause other serious diseases including toxic shock syndrome, flesh-eating disease (necrotising fasciitis), and infection of the uterus (womb) in women who have recently given birth (maternal sepsis).
Outbreaks of iGAS can occur in residential aged care facilities, hospitals, and childcare centres.
Symptoms depend on which part of the body is infected, and include:
Lower abdominal pain, bleeding, or bad-smelling discharge from the vagina can be symptoms of maternal sepsis.
You should seek medical care immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
Strep A bacteria are usually spread from one person to another by sneezing, coughing, or kissing. It can also spread by direct contact with other people with Strep A bacteria on their skin.
Some people carry Strep A bacteria in their throat or on their skin and have no symptoms but can spread the disease.
People most at risk of iGAS include:
Damaged skin, for example cuts, insect bites, burns, or surgical procedures, increases the risk of iGAS.
Those who live in houses that are overcrowded or do not have hot water and/or working taps are also more at risk of infection as Strep A bacteria are more likely to spread.
You can stop getting or spreading Strep A bacteria by washing your hands with soap and water often. Keep wounds clean and covered until they heal.
People who have been in contact with a person who has had iGAS within the last 30 days, and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should see a doctor if they have a sore throat or skin sores, so that these can be treated and prevent iGAS.
If a newborn baby or their mother has iGAS, the other should also be given antibiotics to prevent the disease.
A doctor will examine the patient and take blood or other samples from the patient for testing to detect Strep A bacteria.
Antibiotics are used to treat iGAS infections. A person should isolate until they have completed their first day of treatment to prevent spreading Strep A bacteria to others.
iGAS is a notifiable condition. Laboratories are required to notify cases to their local public health unit (PHU).
Institutions such as residential aged care facilities, hospitals and childcare centres should contact their local PHU if they are aware of two or more iGAS cases in residents or attendees of their facility within a 3-month period.
For further information please call your local public health unit on 1300 066 055 or visit the New South Wales Health website www.health.nsw.gov.au