Invasive Group A Streptococcal Disease (GAS)
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is often found in the throat and on the skin of healthy people where it causes no harm. Most GAS infections are fairly mild illnesses such as “strep throat” and impetigo (skin infection). Less commonly, GAS can cause more severe and life-threatening infections.
Invasive GAS (iGAS) is an infection where the bacteria is isolated or detected from a normally sterile body site, such as blood or spinal fluid. In rare cases, iGAS disease can result in streptococcal toxic shock syndrome or necrotising fasciitis, the most severe manifestations of iGAS.
iGAS disease is a notifiable disease in Ireland.
Guidelines for the Public Health Management of Contacts of Invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infection in Ireland
The Research and Guideline Development Unit (RGDU) have published new Guidelines for the Public Health Management of Contacts of Invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) Infection in Ireland.
The new guidelines were produced in collaboration with an expert guideline development group. They cover the public health management of contacts of iGAS infection across a range of settings, including households, crèches, schools and other childcare settings, residential care facilities and other congregate community settings.
The new iGAS guidelines can be accessed in full at the link above, or as individual chapters.
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Guidance for Non-Healthcare Congregate Settings (including Homelessness and Addiction Service Settings)
The purpose of this guidance is to provide advice on the reduction of the spread of common infections (including coughs, colds, flu, sore throats, vomiting, diarrhoea, and skin infections) among residents and staff in non healthcare congregate and communal settings. The Guidance can be accessed at the following link: