The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory on December 22, 2022, to notify clinicians and public health authorities of a recent increase in pediatric invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections. The health advisory highlights the recent rise in iGAS infections in children, the increased seasonal risk of iGAS disease for all age groups, and the importance of early recognition, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment of these diseases in children and adults.
In November 2022, the CDC was notified of a possible increase in iGAS infections among children at a hospital in Colorado. Potential increases in pediatric iGAS cases in other states were subsequently noted by contributors to the Infectious Diseases Society of America’s provider-based Emerging Infections Network and by certain jurisdictions participating in CDC’s Active Bacterial Core Surveillance System (ABCs). The increased number of pediatric iGAS cases in some jurisdictions had occurred in the setting of increased circulation of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2, and other respiratory viruses.
People with concurrent or preceding viral infections, such as influenza and varicella (chickenpox), are at increased risk for iGAS infection. Other groups at higher risk for iGAS include:
- People aged 65 years or older
- American Indian and Alaska Native populations
- Residents of long-term care facilities
- People with medical conditions such as diabetes, malignancy, immunosuppression, chronic kidney, cardiac, or respiratory disease
- People with wounds or skin disease
- People who inject drugs or who are experiencing homelessness
Read the CDC’s advisory and recommendations here.
Compliance Perspective
Issue
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria can cause a range of illnesses, from pharyngitis (i.e., strep throat) and skin and soft tissue infections to uncommon but severe diseases such as sepsis, streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, and necrotizing fasciitis. These severe and invasive diseases are associated with high mortality rates and require immediate treatment, including appropriate antibiotic therapy. Facilities must establish and maintain an infection prevention and control program designed to provide a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment and to help prevent the development and transmission of communicable diseases and infections.
Discussion Points
- Review policies and procedures and the infection prevention and control plan to ensure they include the most effective strategies and interventions to prevent and control the spread of invasive group A streptococcal and other infections.
- Train staff on the most current infection prevention and control protocols, including notifying appropriate local or state public health departments if clusters of iGAS infections occur. Document that the trainings occurred and keep a signed copy in each employee’s education file.
- Periodically audit to ensure that your facility’s infection prevention and control plan contains the most current CDC guidance and is being followed by all staff members. Provide additional education as needed.
*This news alert has been prepared by Med-Net Concepts, LLC for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.*
