An outbreak of group A streptococcal infection

Group A streptococcal (GAS) infection is responsible for a wide range of infections including sore G throat, skin infections, septicaemia, streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and necrotising fasciitis. During April 2010, three patients on a medical ward in a small acute hospital in the United Kingdom had GAS identified in samples obtained from a blood culture and various lesions. The investigation and management of this outbreak included effective antimicrobial management and treatment of identified cases, establishment of an outbreak control team (OCT), epidemiological investigation and screening of staff for throat carriage and staff and patients on the ward for skin lesions and dermatitis. Isolate typing by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), Centre for Infections laboratory, confirmed the three cases had identical strains - type M/emm44. The prompt treatment and effective management of the outbreak ensured that no further cases in the extended surveillance period were identified.