Group A Streptococcal Infections

Alternate Names : GAS Infection

What can be done to prevent the infection?

Anyone with a GAS infection should take antibiotics for at least 24 hours before returning to work, school, or day care. Good hand-washing is also important to prevent spread of a GAS infection.

What are the long-term effects of the infection?

Severe streptococcal infections may cause loss of body tissue or even death. Rheumatic fever is a complication of strep throat caused by certain types of GAS. It can cause permanent heart damage. Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis is another complication of a GAS infection. It causes kidney damage, high blood pressure, and body swelling.

What are the risks to others?

Group A streptococcal infections are contagious. They can be spread through direct contact with mucus from the nose or throat of an infected person. The bacteria can also be spread by direct contact with discharge from contaminated wounds or skin lesions.