On this page: Background | Educational Resources | Setting-Specific Resources | Patient Resources | Data & Reporting
Background
Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) is a type of bacteria that can found in the nose, throat, or on the skin. It may not cause any signs and symptoms of infection (also known as colonization). When symptoms do occur, they can be mild to severe and can infect different parts of the body. Group A Strep spreads through respiratory droplets, contact with saliva or nasal secretions, or contact with open sores or wounds. Outbreaks are most common in long-term care facilities and can be associated with severe illness or death.
Educational Resources
VDH Infection Prevention and Control Assessments: The HAI/AR team is available to conduct a no-cost, non-regulatory, onsite visit to help a facility identify its infection prevention strengths and areas of opportunity.
- Group A Strep Infection – basics, testing, prevention
- Isolation Precautions Guidelines
- Project Firstline - provides innovative and accessible infection control education for all frontline healthcare workers
Virginia Healthcare-Associated Infections Advisory Group
- Virginia Infection Prevention & Control Training Alliance (VIPTA) – search the education and training resource library for resources related to Group A Strep
Virginia Infection Prevention Training Center
- Virginia Infection Prevention Training Center (VIPTC) – courses and trainings related to infection prevention and control
Setting-Specific Resources
Group A Streptococcus resources specific to long-term care settings:
Patient Resources
- Group A Strep Prevention (CDC)
- Group A Strep Fact Sheet (VDH)
Data & Reporting
Virginia Communicable Disease & Outbreak Reporting Requirements
- Per the Regulations for Disease Reporting and Control, the following is reportable:
- By physicians and directors of medical facilities: Suspected or confirmed cases of Streptococcal disease, Group A, invasive or toxic shock
- By directors of laboratories: Suspected or confirmed cases of Streptococcal disease, Group A, invasive or toxic shock
- By facilities or programs licensed or operated by any agency of the Commonwealth, schools, child-care centers, and summer camps: Any suspected or confirmed outbreak
- For more information: Disease Reporting and Control Regulations page