Group A Streptococcal (GAS) Disease
Reportable to the Medical Officer of Health. Public Health will do contact investigation and follow-up.
Chemoprophylaxis recommended for household/close contacts of a confirmed severe case of:
- Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome
- soft tissue necrosis (including necrotizing fasciitis, myositis, gangrene)
- meningitis
- GAS pneumonia
- other life threatening conditions (e.g. bacteremia)
- a confirmed case of invasive GAS resulting in death
Chemoprophylaxis should be given as soon as possible and preferably within 24 hours of case identification, but is still recommended for up to 7 days after last contact with infectious case.
Recommended Prophylaxis
First Line
| Antibiotic | Children | Adults |
|---|---|---|
| Cephalexin | 25-50mg/kg/day div bid-qid x 10 days (max 1g/day) | 250mg PO qid x 10 days or 500mg PO bid x 10 days |
Second Line
| Antibiotic | Children | Adults |
|---|---|---|
|
Erythromycin or |
500mg PO bid x 10 days (base) | |
|
Clarithromycin or |
15mg/kg/day PO div bid (max 500mg/day) x 10 days | 250mg PO bid x 10 days |
| Clindamycin | 8-16mg/kg/day div tid-qid x 10 days | 150mg PO qid x 10 days |