Streptococcus Infection (Including Strep Throat)
What is it?
Streptococcus infection is a bacterial infection that causes Strep throat and other illnesses. Group A streptococcus bacteria commonly live on a person’s skin or in their nose and throat. Many people carry the bacteria but never become ill. However, the infection can cause a variety of mild to severe illnesses
How is it spread?
Direct contact with an infected person, with their nasal secretions or saliva, or their infected wound.
How can we limit the spread?
- Wash hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing, before eating, and before preparing food.
- Keep wounds clean and watch closely for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, pain, or drainage of pus. See your healthcare provider quickly if any of those signs develop.
- If you develop a sore throat with fever, discuss with your healthcare provider if you need to be seen, tested, or treated for strep throat.
- If someone in your household develops a severe group A strep infection, talk to your healthcare provider about what you can do to decrease your chance of getting sick.
When is it contagious?
A person may spread group A strep for up to 3 weeks after becoming infected if the person has not received antibiotics. People are unlikely to spread the infection after they have been on the correct antibiotics for 24 hours or longer.
A person who has group A strep on their skin, or in their nose or throat, can spread the bacteria even if they were never ill.
However, this is less likely than someone with an active infection. Group A strep may also be spread through food if someone is infected with group A strep and then prepares or serves food which is shared with others.
What are the symptoms caused by the streptococcus bacteria?
Mild illnesses caused by Group A strep include:
- Strep throat – an infection that leads to a sore throat with fever; in some cases, people may also have pain with swallowing, swollen glands in the neck, or headache.
- Impetigo – an infection of the skin where people will have open sores on the skin that drain pus. Additionally, people may also have fever and a sore throat at the same time.
- Scarlet fever – a raised rash on the body that usually feels like sandpaper.
More severe illness can occur when the bacteria move from the skin or throat into the blood or infect deeper tissues or organs (e.g., lungs, muscles, brain). Severe illnesses include:
- Pneumonia – an infection in the lungs with fever, cough, and trouble breathing.
- Necrotizing fasciitis – an infection of the skin and muscles, with severe pain/swelling at the wound or trauma site and fever.
- Meningitis – an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain, with headache, fever, neck pain, or confusion.
- Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) – an infection of the blood that could lead to lung, kidney, and/or liver failure. People may have fever, dizziness/confusion, abdominal pain, rash, or shock.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
Symptomatic people should be referred to their healthcare provider, who may order different tests, take a throat swab, or get a blood sample. Typically, antibiotics are prescribed for treatment. It is important to take antibiotics as prescribed.
Should the child stay home?
A student with a positive test should be excluded from school until 24 hours after starting treatment, fever-free, and feeling well enough to attend school.