There has been an increase in group A streptococcal (GAS) and invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections in Alberta. The underlying reason(s) for the increase remain unclear. Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services are actively monitoring the situation and encourage healthcare providers to be aware of GAS signs and symptoms, testing, and treatment options, and to consider GAS and iGAS in the differential diagnosis as appropriate.
GAS can cause various infections including pharyngitis, skin and soft tissue infections, and less commonly, scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, necrotizing fasciitis, and toxic shock syndrome.
Symptoms can be vague and include swelling, chills, muscle and joint aches, macular rash, bullae, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, malaise, and pain of unusual severity.
Antibiotic treatment is recommended for those with confirmed GAS pharyngitis to prevent Rheumatic Fever and rare suppurative complications.
Resources for primary care providers include:
- Clinical decision tools, such as the Centor criteria, provide guidance on who to test for GAS.
- Practical information for management of GAS pharyngitis in children (and more generally) can be found here at cps.ca.
- For provincial management and reporting on GAS, please visit the Alberta Disease Management Guidelines for GAS and iGAS.
- For more information on Group A Streptococcal diseases, Scarlet Fever, and Rheumatic Fever please visit:
- The Government of Canada: Scarlet Fever Fact Sheet
- CDC: Diseases Caused by Group A Strep
- The Government of Canada: Group A Streptococcal diseases for health professionals