Health officials are grappling to find the cause of why a dangerous streptococcal A bacterial infection is spreading at a record rate. The biggest concern is the rare but serious form of the disease - streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS). The Japanese’ National Institute of Infectious diseases (NIID) advise while older people are deemed at higher risk, the group A strain of STSS is leading to more deaths among patients under 50. Read more
Advice for travellers
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a type of bacteria that can cause a broad range of infections and complications which vary from mild to severe. Commonly, it causes throat infection (pharyngitis), tonsil infection (tonsillitis), scarlet fever, skin sores (impetigo) and skin infection (cellulitis).
Rarely, it can cause serious, potentially life-threatening infections. Streptococcus group A can cause Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) when they spread into deep tissues and the bloodstream. For nearly half of people who get STSS, experts do not know how the bacteria got into the body. Sometimes the bacteria get into the body through openings in the skin, like an injury or surgical wound. The bacteria can also get into the body through mucus membranes, like the skin inside the nose and throat.
It is very rare for someone with STSS to spread the infection to other people. However, any group A strep infection can turn into STSS and it is very easy to spread group A strep bacteria. Read more on Strep A
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.