Group a Streptococcus (GAS)

What is Group A Streptococcus (GAS)? Strep throat • A bacteria often found in the throat and on . red and painful sore throat, white the skin. patches on tonsils; swollen lymph nodes, • Some people carry this bacteria but have no fever and headache illness. . nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain • It can cause infections, such as strep throat, (more common in children) impetigo or scarlet fever. Impetigo • Occasionally, GAS may invade the blood, . red or pimple-like sores surrounded by muscle, and fat tissue (places where bacteria reddened skin are not normally found). These infections are . lesions fill with pus, break open after a called “invasive”. few days and form a thick crust • Less severe invasive GAS infections include . may be anywhere on the body, but erysipelas and cellulitis. mostly on the face, arms, and legs • More severe invasive GAS infections include . itching is common Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) or necrotizing fasciitis (also known as “flesh Cellulitis eating disease”). These infections can be life . fever, chills, swollen glands, red, painful, threatening. tender skin . skin may blister and scab over How does a person get GAS? Erysipelas • The bacteria is spread by: . a fiery red rash with raised borders . direct contact with mucous or saliva from . may appear on arms, legs or face the nose or throat of an infected person, . skin may be hot, red and have sharply or defined raised areas . contact with infected wounds or sores on . the infection may come back, causing the skin. chronic swelling of the legs and arms • Ill people are most contagious.

• Persons who carry the bacteria but have no Scarlet fever: symptoms are much less contagious. . symptoms similar to strep throat • It is unlikely that household items like plates, . a tiny, red, pin point rash that has a cups or toys will spread GAS. rough texture (like sandpaper), appearing

on the sides and abdomen What are the signs and symptoms? • A person may show no symptoms. • Symptoms may vary depending on the kind of infection.

Necrotizing fasciitis How is GAS prevented? . fever • Always wash hands thoroughly after . severe pain coughing or sneezing. . rapid spread of swelling and redness at • Do not attend daycare, school or workplace, the wound site until 24 hours after antibiotics have been Toxic Shock Syndrome started. . fever, dizziness, confusion, abdominal • Keep wounds clean and watch for possible pain signs of infection such as redness, swelling, . flat red rash over large areas of the body. drainage and pain at the wound site. • A person with signs of an infected wound, How is GAS treated? especially if fever occurs, should seek immediate medical care. • Antibiotics may be prescribed. • Specific antibiotics may be recommended for • A specimen, such as a swab or blood test, close contacts (household or those who have may be required to discover what kind of shared nose /throat secretions of an infected bacteria is causing the infection. person). Public Health will assess and follow- • After taking antibiotics for 24 hours you are up as needed. These contacts need to watch no longer infectious. for any symptoms of GAS for 30 days • Early treatment can reduce the risk of serious following any exposure. complications from invasive disease. • With nectrotizing fasciitis, surgery may be

needed to remove damaged tissue.

For more information contact your doctor or Population and Public Health at 306-655-4612.