Increase in life-threatening infections: group A strep

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is reporting an increase in invasive bacterial infections due to Group A Streptococcus (GAS).

“Strep bacteria are widespread and even live on our skin typically causing no symptoms; however, in some cases, a person can develop severe life-threatening invasive group A streptococcal disease (iGAS),” said Christina Baier, a manager in Public Health’s Health Protection Division. “To protect themselves and others, it’s important for people to know the potential symptoms and precautions to take, and to know when to seek medical attention,” said Baier.

Anyone can develop an invasive GAS infection, but some people, for example, those with chronic illness, are at higher risk. Group A Streptococcus usually causes no symptoms or causes only mild illnesses like strep throat, ear infections, or mild skin infections (impetigo). In some cases, however, the infection becomes invasive (severe) and enters parts of the body like the blood, muscles, or the brain. Invasive group A streptococcal disease can cause serious life-threatening illnesses such as necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease), toxic shock syndrome, meningitis, and death.

Symptoms of Group A Streptococcus infection often look like a common cold, making it hard to know you have it. Symptoms include:

• sore throat
• flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea)
• headache

Some signs that make it more likely that you have a group A strep infection include

• joint pain that is not normal for you
• rash
• unusually intense pain where skin might be broken (for example, from a cut, scrape, surgical incision, or where an injection was received)

Seek medical attention immediately if you notice signs of worsening infection such as

• sudden and severe pain that feels worse than expected
• high fever or chills
• swelling or redness that spreads quickly from where the skin is broken or a wound is open
• confusion, dizziness, or faintness caused by very low blood pressure
• flu-like symptoms that worsen quickly

Know who is at higher risk

While anyone can develop iGAS, people with the following are at higher risk:

• chronic illnesses (such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer)
• recently recovered from viral infections (like flu, COVID-19, or chickenpox)
• skin that is broken or open from cuts, scrapes, surgical incisions, or medication injections
• a weakened immune system

Prevent the spread of infection

GAS infections spread through close contact with an infected person. This can happen by inhaling the droplets of coughs and sneezes or by touching broken skin or open wounds. The infection can also be spread by sharing or re-using needles from a person who is infected.

Prevent respiratory infections

• Viral infections can increase your risk of illness: stay up to date with your vaccinations (including flu, COVID-19, and chickenpox).
• If you are sick, stay home until you begin to feel better and have no fever for 24 hours or no diarrhea for 48 hours.
• Wear a mask if you feel sick and for 10 days from when your symptoms started.
• Cover your mouth or nose when you cough or sneeze.
• See a health care provider if you have a sore throat, ear infection, or skin infection that does not clear up on its own within a few days.
• If you are prescribed antibiotics, stay home for a minimum of 24 hours after starting them. Finish taking the antibiotics as prescribed, even if you start to feel better before finishing all the medications.

Keep broken skin or open wounds clean

• Wash your hands before and after cleaning or taking care of your skin.
• Wash your hands before giving yourself an injection.
• Change your bandages often. Always use new bandages.
• Avoid scratching a rash.
• Keep broken skin clean and covered until it heals.
• Watch for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, oozing pus, or pain at the site. If you notice signs of an infection or have unexplained severe pain, contact a health care provider.

For more information about group A Streptococcus, please visit our website at phsd.ca or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 772 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).