{
  "id": 13138268,
  "title": "What is group A strep, and how do you catch it?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/what-is-group-a-strep-and-how-do-you-catch-it",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-09T14:04:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "UK Health Security Agency",
    "slug": "uk-health-security-agency",
    "url": "https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/10/09/what-is-group-a-strep-and-how-do-you-catch-it/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Group A streptococci, commonly called GAS or strep A, is a typical bacterium that many individuals harbor in their throats and on their skin without causing any illness. However, this bacterium can indeed trigger various infections, some of which are mild and others more severe. Mild infections caused by GAS are scarlet fever, strep throat, impetigo, and tonsilitis. These conditions, while uncomfortable, can be effectively treated with antibiotics.\n\nThis article delves into the nature of GAS, the infections it can induce, the mode of its transmission, and the signs to watch for when you or your child is unwell. It explains that GAS spreads through close contact with an infected person, which can occur via coughs, sneezes, or exposure to a wound. While some people carry the bacteria without feeling unwell, those who are unwell pose a higher risk of spreading the infection.\n\nTo prevent the spread of infection, it's advised to practice good hand hygiene by washing hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, to use a tissue when coughing or sneezing, to ensure proper ventilation in your home, and to isolate yourself when you're feeling unwell. This can significantly decrease both the risk of getting infected and the likelihood of passing on the bacteria to others.\n\nGAS is responsible for a range of infections affecting the skin, soft tissue, and respiratory system. These include tonsillitis, pharyngitis, scarlet fever, impetigo, and cellulitis. While people of all ages can contract these infections, children are more prone to scarlet fever, impetigo, and strep throat. Although these illnesses can be distressing, they typically do not result in serious complications. With appropriate antibiotic treatment, an unwell individual with a mild illness like tonsilitis is usually no longer contagious within 24 hours of starting their medication.\n\nIn rare instances, GAS can lead to more serious infections, known as invasive group A strep (iGAS). This condition, though uncommon, has seen an uptick in recent years. When iGAS infections occur, they usually involve an invasion of deeper body tissues through cuts or open wounds or the lungs. These infections can manifest in various forms such as joint infections, pneumonia, severe soft-tissue infections like necrotising fasciitis, bloodstream infections, and meningitis. One particularly dangerous form is Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome, which can lead to organ failure and is potentially fatal.\n\nChildren who have recently had chickenpox are at a slightly higher risk of developing severe forms of group A strep infection, though this remains extremely rare. The chickenpox rash can facilitate the entry of the GAS bacteria into the body, potentially resulting in invasive infection. If a child has chickenpox or has had it within the past two weeks, parents should remain vigilant for symptoms such as persistent high fever, skin infection (cellulitis), and joint pain and swelling (arthritis). Any concerns should prompt immediate medical attention.\n\nThe UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) plays a pivotal role in managing iGAS. They identify and handle outbreaks, offer resources to aid local health protection systems in responding to cases, develop guidance for healthcare professionals, provide advice to specific settings, create public information resources, and monitor data and surveillance. Weekly laboratory notifications and monthly rates of iGAS cases are available on the UKHSA's Data Dashboard.",
  "summary": "Group A streptococci (GAS), also referred to as strep A, are common bacteria. Some of us carry strep in our throats and on our skin and it doesn’t always result in illness. However, GAS does cause infections, some mild and some more serious.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}