What is a Group A streptococcal infection?
A Group A streptococcal infection is an illness caused by a bacterium that is found in the mouth, nose, and throat of an infected person. The Group A streptococcus produces a wide range of infections from sore throat, skin infection, and scarlet fever to kidney infections and rheumatic fever. Who gets Group A streptococcal infections? Group A streptococcal infections can occur at any age. The three to 15-year-old age group is most commonly affected. How are Group A streptococcal infections spread? Group A streptococcal infections are primarily spread by direct or intimate contact with carriers. Transmission of respiratory secretions may occur from hands, person-to-person contact such as kissing, or the projection of large droplets during coughing or sneezing. What are the symptoms of a Group A streptococcal infection? The symptoms are skin rash, fever, chills, sore throat, painful swallowing, malaise, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, and/or vomiting. How soon do symptoms appear? The i
