Overview
Group A streptococcal (strep) infections can range from a mild skin infection or a sore throat to severe, life-threatening conditions. Most people are familiar with strep throat, which along with minor skin infections is the most common form of the disease. Health experts estimate that more than 10 million mild infections (throat and skin) occur every year.
Group A strep infections include
- Strep throat
- Impetigo
- Cellulitis
- Erysipelas
- Scarlet fever
They also include severe, life-threatening strep infections such as
- Bacteremia (bacteria in the blood)
- Toxic shock syndrome
- Necrotizing fasciitis (commonly called flesh-eating disease)