Reservoir is human skin and oropharynx/mucous membranes, colonizes 10% in pharynx, more commonly children
Person-to-person transmission.
Most common manifestations tonsillopharyngitis ("strep throat") and skin infections (impetigo, erysipelas, cellulitis)
Invasive infections such as bacteremia, endocarditis, necrotizing fasciitis, meningitis, toxic shock syndrome, pneumonia, and other sterile space infections.
Post-infectious immunologically mediated phenomena such as glomerulonephritis and rheumatic fever.
Scarlet fever.
Wound infection/impetigo/cellulitis: Routine Practices if drainage can be contained by dressings otherwise Contact precautions until drainage resolved.
Necrotizing fasciitis, Myositis, Pneumonia: Droplet /Contact until 24 hours of appropriate antibiotic therapy received
Scarlet fever, pharyngitis: Droplet/contact until 24 hours of appropriate antibiotic therapy received
Toxic Shock syndrome: Droplet /Contact until 24 hours of appropriate antibiotic therapy received
Invasive disease is notifiable - call Public Health and consult Infectious Disease. Post-exposure prophylaxis may be indicated.
