About 10-15% of people with other forms of invasive GAS disease die. About 20% of people with necrotizing fasciitis, and 60% of people with STSS die. STSS is a rapidly progressing infection that causes shock and injury to internal organs such as the liver, kidneys and lungs. Necrotizing fasciitis is a destructive infection of muscle and fat tissue, and occasionally described by the media as the "flesh eating" bacteria. Two of the most severe, but least common, forms of invasive GAS disease are called "necrotizing fasciitis" and "streptococcal toxic shock syndrome" (STSS). Severe GAS illness can become "invasive," that is, the bacteria has reached parts of the body where bacteria are not usually found such as the blood, deep muscle and fat tissue, or the lungs. Infection with GAS can result in no illness, mild illness like strep throat or impetigo, or severe or life-threatening illness. What Kind of Illnesses are Caused by Group A Streptococcal Infection? Household items like plates, cups, toys, etc., do not play a major role in disease spread. However, it is important that a person take all of the antibiotic as prescribed. ![]() Treatment of an infected person with an appropriate antibiotic for 24 hours or longer removes their ability to spread the bacteria. People who carry the bacteria but have no symptoms are much less able to spread the bacteria. ![]() The risk of spreading the infection is highest when a person is ill, such as when people have "strep throat" or an infected wound. ![]() These bacteria are spread by direct contact with discharges from the nose and throat of infected people or by contact with infected wounds or sores on the skin. People may carry GAS in the throat or on the skin and not become ill. Group A streptococci are bacteria commonly found in the throat and on the skin. Group A Streptococcus: Commonly Asked Questions (PDF) About Group A Streptococcus: Commonly Asked QuestionsÄownload a PDF version formatted for print:
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