Group A Streptococcus - A quick reference for Cannon Published Jan. 12, 2009 By Lt Col (Dr.) Kim Bradley 27th Special Operations Medical Group CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Many of you may have seen the recent article in the local paper regarding two deaths in individuals with Invasive Group A Streptococcal Disease. While it is uncommon for patients to die due to infection from GAS bacteria, non-life threatening infections are quite common. This organism may cause Strep Throat and Impetigo, as well as more serious infections such as Rheumatic Fever, Scarlet Fever, Toxic Shock Syndrome, and Necrotizing Fasciitis. Many times those with very mild infections with this organism have no illness at all. For addition information, refer to the Center for Disease Control Web site -at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/Groupastreptococcal_g.htm Although medical emergencies are typically rare in GAS infections, there are signs and symptoms that need immediate care. Report to the nearest Emergency Room or call 911 if any of the following occur: · Severe breathing difficulty or sudden inability to swallow with drooling · Loss of consciousness, mental confusion, severe weakness or loss of coordination · Sudden onset of severe localized pain in throat, neck, chest, abdomen, or muscles · Fever greater than 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Individuals with any of the following signs/symptoms should be evaluated by medical personnel, but generally do not require emergency care: · Moderate breathing difficulty or difficulty swallowing · Redness spreading from a wound · Moderate pain or tenderness in throat, neck, chest, abdomen, or muscles · Fatigue, dizziness, weakness · Sudden red rash over back, chest, or abdomen · Fever greater than 101 F (38 C), but less than 104 F (40 C) Call 784-2778 at anytime to schedule an appointment or speak with a health care professional; a provider is on call after hours and weekends. Individuals with no or mild symptoms typically do not require medical care unless they have other medical problems. Over-the-counter medications help relieve symptoms as the body's natural defense mechanisms fight the infection. It is not appropriate to test/screen persons who are not ill for GAS, as treatment with antibiotics is not indicated for these patients and may cause harm. If you are a close contact of a patient with an invasive form of GAS, your health care provider should determine the most appropriate course of action. Patients with a weakened immune system, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, COPD, pregnancy, on chemo/radiation therapy or taking oral steroids, the elderly, and children younger than 2 should seek the advice of their Primary Care Manager. The most important means of protecting yourself against GAS infection is a thorough hand washing For questions or comments, contact Roberta Williams the 27 SOMDG community relations officer, at 784-0784. She will quickly assist in obtaining the necessary information you need, or forward your comments to the proper point of contact.