Status: Active
Date issued: 1 November 2017
Issued by: Dr Brett Sutton, Acting Chief Health Officer, Victoria
Issued to: Health professionals and laboratories
Key messages
• There has been a recent increase in cases of invasive group A streptococcal disease (iGAS) in Victoria.
• Clinical manifestations of iGAS include sepsis, streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, necrotising fasciitis, pneumonia/empyema, retropharyngeal abscess, osteomyelitis/septic arthritis, and (rarely) meningitis.
• Young children, pregnant women and the elderly are at increased risk of iGAS infections.
• There is an increased risk of secondary cases of iGAS in household contacts of index cases.
• Household contacts require information about the increased risk and chemoprophylaxis should be considered.
More information
Read the full advisory on health.vic
Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.