The Acheson Group
Disease Fact Sheets
Streptococcus Fact Sheet
What is Streptococcus?
Group A Streptococcus (Strep) bacteria, normally found on the skin and in the throat, can cause a range of infections of varying severity and frequency.
- • Serious, invasive infections can occur in
body parts that are normally bacteria
free, such as muscles, blood or lungs
causing necrotizing fasciitis, toxic
shock syndrome, etc. These infections
sometimes result in death even with
prompt medical care.
- • Noninvasive infections (e.g., Strep throat,
impetigo) rarely have complications.
Why Should I Care about Streptococcus?
- 11,000 to 24,000 infections occur annually in the U.S.
- 1,200 to 1,900 deaths are caused by invasive strep.
- Several million noninvasive strep infections occur each year.
- Rheumatic fever can result if strep is not properly treated.
- The bacteria are transmitted person to person. Strep is typically not transmitted through objects.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF Streptococcus
What Do I Do About Streptococcus?
Because strep bacteria can spread among people, especially from nose/throat droplets or skin lesions:
- Anyone infected with strep should be isolated from others as much as possible, following medical advice.
- Casual contacts (e.g., those not touching an open wound or in close proximity) are typically at lower risk of infection from an ill person.
- Antibiotics can treat the infection and prevent spread.
- If caring for an infected person, wash their hands thoroughly and follow infection precautions in line with medical advice.
- Keep skin wounds clean; carefully examine them for signs of a developing infection.
