Overview
Some types of group A strep bacteria cause severe infections, such as
- Bacteremia (bloodstream infections)
- Toxic shock syndrome (multi-organ infection)
- Necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease)
In 2006, 4,587 cases of severe group A streptococcal disease were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Those at the greatest risk of getting a severe strep infection are
- Children with chickenpox
- People with suppressed immune systems
- Burn victims
- Elderly people with cellulitis, diabetes, blood vessel disease, or cancer
- People taking steroid treatments or chemotherapy
- Intravenous drug users
Severe group A strep disease may also occur in healthy people who have no known risk factors.
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