Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infections (iGAS)

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What is invasive Group A Streptococcal infection (iGAS)?

Group A Streptococci are bacteria. You can have this bacteria, or germ, in your throat or on your skin and be healthy. This germ can cause infections such as strep throat, wound infections and scarlet fever. Sometimes this germ can cause serious illness such as necrotizing fasciitis (flesh eating disease) and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Necrotizing Fasciitis (NF) is an infection that destroys fat or muscle tissue. Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) is an infection that damages organs like your kidneys, liver and lungs. When the infection is this serious, we call it invasive Group A Streptococcal Disease.

How is iGAS spread?

When someone is sick with invasive Group A Streptococcal Disease, they can spread the germ before they are very sick. If you have done any activities where you have shared body fluids with this person, such as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, open mouth kissing, sexual intercourse or shared a needle, then you could be infected

What symptoms should I watch for?

You should watch for: fever, rapid breathing, aches or bad muscle pain, chills, sore throat, dizziness, confusion, diffuse rash or abdominal pain.

How do I know if I have iGAS?

The most important is to watch for symptoms. There are different tests that the doctor will use to test for Group A Streptococcal bacteria. Sometimes a “swab” will be done of the area that may be infected, or sometimes your blood might be tested.

What is the treatment for iGAS?

When someone is sick with invasive Group A Streptococcal Disease, they need hospital care. The treatment will include antibiotics.

How do I protect myself and others?

You can help stop the spread of iGAS infections by washing your hands after coughing or sneezing, before preparing foods and before eating. If you have a sore throat, see your doctor to find out if you have “strep throat”. Wash and watch your wounds. If you see it turning red, draining or it gets sore and you have a fever, see your doctor.

Is there anything special I need to know?

If someone close to you is diagnosed with either necrotizing fasciitis or streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, you might need to take antibiotics to prevent you from getting sick.

If you are ill with symptoms of iGAS you should see your doctor or health care provider.

For attendees of Child Care Facilities, chickenpox infection may be complicated by the occurrence of Group A Streptococcal infections. If a case of Chickenpox (Varicella) has occurred in the facility within the 2 weeks before onset of GAS symptoms in a diagnosed case, all attendees should be assessed for Varicella vaccination history. Varicella vaccination is recommended for those without a history of prior varicella infection or vaccination.