Invasive group A strep infections are serious and may require hospitalization. There is an increased risk of infection for people who use drugs containing xylazine. To prevent infection, keep wounds clean, moist, and covered. Seek medical care right away for wounds that may be infected (red, swollen, painful, or warm to touch) or if you have a fever or chills or unexplained nausea or vomiting.
Group A streptococcal (strep) infections are caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus. Usually they cause mild illnesses, like strep throat or a skin infection called impetigo that can be treated with antibiotics.
While rare, some group A strep infections—called “invasive group A strep”—can be life-threatening. This can happen when strep bacteria get into parts of the body where they are not usually found, like in the blood, muscles, or lungs. Two rare but serious invasive group A strep infections are Toxic Shock Syndrome and Necrotizing Fasciitis (also called “flesh-eating disease”). The CDC estimates that up to 2,300 people die annually in the United States from invasive group A strep infections.
Group A strep bacteria spread easily between people. Most often strep bacteria are spread from infected people to others through:
Crowded settings—like daycares, schools, nursing homes, and shelters—can increase the risk of getting any group A strep infection.
The most common group A strep infection is strep throat. Strep throat is more common in children than adults. Parents of school-age children and adults who are often in contact with children are at increased risk.
Contact your doctor if you feel sick or have symptoms of a strep infection. Most sore throats are caused by viruses, which antibiotics cannot treat. But if you test positive for strep or your doctor thinks you have a bacterial infection, they can prescribe antibiotics. After 24 hours on antibiotics, you will no longer be able to spread the infection to others.
It is important to get treated early in your infection and to take the medicine as directed by your doctor, even if you start to feel better. This helps keep the infection from coming back or getting worse.
Invasive group A strep infections can be life-threatening. These infections happen when strep bacteria get into parts of the body where they are not usually found, like in the blood, muscles or lungs. Invasive group A strep infections are not contagious. Cases of invasive group A strep must be reported to the Vermont Department of Health.
In 2023, 144 people were diagnosed with invasive group A strep infections in Vermont. This was over four times higher than the four-year average from 2015-2019. Read the Data Brief to learn more.
Common risk factors in people diagnosed with invasive group A strep infections in 2023 included:
To prevent strep infections and serious illness, keep skin wounds clean, moist and covered. Get medical help if wounds have become red, swollen, painful or warm to the touch, or if you have a fever or chills or unexplained nausea or vomiting.
More on preventing strep infections
Vermont’s Syringe Services Programs offer free and anonymous services, including:
Find a Syringe Service Program in your area
For more information about xylazine and the increased risk of overdose, visit KnowODVT.com.
VT Helplink is a free and confidential referral resource for alcohol and drug treatment or other support services. Visit VTHelplink.org or call (802) 565-LINK to talk with a specialist directly.
For other community resources, information and referrals, dial 2-1-1 or visit vermont211.org.
