Hold on, this is 'strep?'

Group A streptococcus (group A strep or GAS) is a common bacteria that can cause a variety of infections, ranging from no illness to severe illness.

Group A strep is commonly found in the nose and throat of about five to 30 per cent of children and one per cent of adults. It can be carried in the throat or skin of healthy people who show no signs or symptoms of illness. It is spread through direct contact with the nose or mouth secretions of an infected person. For example, people can get infected through sharing plates or cups when eating and drinking, or by living in the same household.

In rare cases, the same group A strep bacteria can cause a severe form of illness called invasive GAS disease (iGAS).

This happens when bacteria get into parts of the body where the bacteria are not usually found, such as the blood, joints or the lining of the brain, lungs and heart.

The most severe forms of invasive GAS disease — e.g. meningitis, necrotizing fasciitis, which is also known as flesh eating disease, and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome — can cause very serious illness and may even lead to death.

What symptoms should I be watching for?

• Sore throats (commonly referred to as strep throat)

• Ear infections

• Skin infections

• Scarlet fever

Are health officials concerned?

All cases of invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS) where the bacteria have entered unusual places — such as a person’s blood, joints or lining of the brain — must be reported by health-care professionals to Peel Public Health.

Peel Public Health is concerned about cases of invasive group A streptococcus since the most severe forms of invasive GAS disease can cause very serious illness. Peel Health's role is to identify and notify close contacts of an infected person and assess the need for preventive antibiotics. Contacts are advised to self-monitor for signs and symptoms of GAS infection and/or fever for 30 days.

Peel Public Health follows up with every case to ensure those who had close contact take proper precautions and preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection from spreading. Any risk to the general population is very low.

So, who is likely to get this rare infection?

Group A strep is more common in children than adults. It is most common in children five to 15 years of age, and rare in children younger than three years old.

Few people who come in contact with group A strep develop severe invasive disease; most will have a routine throat or skin infection. Although healthy people can get invasive disease, people with chronic illnesses like cancer, diabetes and kidney dialysis, and those who use medications such as steroids, are at higher risk.

Breaks in the skin, like cuts, surgical wounds or chickenpox may also provide an opportunity for the bacteria to enter the body.

What can I do to prevent getting this disease?

• Use good personal hygiene, especially frequent and thorough hand washing

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or upper sleeve

• Wounds and cuts should be well cleansed, disinfected and bandaged

• Avoid sharing food, drinks, plates or utensils

Report any sudden or unusual signs of infection, sore throat and/or fever to your doctor.

— With files by Danielle Marr; Peel Public Health information was previously published in 2017 article.