Group A streptococcus is a bacterium that people may carry in their nose, throat or on their skin without symptoms.
If GAS does cause symptoms, most of the time it only causes mild illness, including strep throat.
Occasionally the bacterium can cause more severe infections. This happens when the bacterium gets into your blood, lungs, or muscles. This is called invasive group A streptococcal infection or iGAS.
The rarest, but most serious forms of iGAS, are:
- Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome
- Necrotizing fasciitis, often called flesh-eating disease
More information about Group A Strep |
Reporting |
Report to the Health Unit immediately by phone at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229 if iGAS is suspected or confirmed as per Ontario Regulation 135/18 and amendments under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O., c.H.7. |
Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have iGAS? |
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Healthcare Providers Information |
Contact the Communicable Disease Control (CDC) program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229, or by email to cdc@healthunit.ca for more information.