Outbreak Investigation, Public Health and Health Policy
30/30 Education Session - 30 minutes
JoAnn Adkins, RN, BSN, CIC, FAPIC
Senior Infection Preventionist
Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority
New Bloomfield, PA
Nothing to disclose
Beth Wallace, MPH, CIC, FAPIC
Senior Director, System Infection Prevention & Epidemiology
Beaumont Health
Rochester Hills, Michigan
Nothing to disclose
Invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS) can cause severe, life-threatening illness among the elderly, particularly LTC residents. iGAS infection may present as pharyngitis or skin infection, including impetigo or cellulitis, and can cause severe infection including pneumonia and bacteremia.
iGAS is spread by droplet or contact transmission with an infected person. In LTC settings, healthcare workers with active streptococcal skin infections, pharyngitis, or asymptomatic carriage have been known to transmit the bacteria to residents. Because of the potential severity of illness, even a single case of iGAS requires action. Effective surveillance, monitoring, and adherence to IPC practices can help identify cases early and help prevent outbreaks.
The session will discuss the manifestations of infection in the elderly and IPC strategies to be implemented when even a single case of iGAS infection is identified. Participants will learn how to the techniques and strategies for better surveillance, and the IPC solutions required after a case is identified.