Streptococcus spread in nursing home

ATLANTA, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Long-term care facilities should investigate cases of invasive group A Streptococcus to ensure infection prevention measures are taken, U.S. officials say.

A report published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report said in September 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Health was notified of a cluster of invasive group A Streptococcus infections among residents of a skilled nursing facility specializing in neurologic and pulmonary care.

"The investigators determined that, during Oct. 12, 2009, to Sept. 22, 2010, at the facility, 10 residents had non-invasive Group A Streptococcus infection and 13 had invasive Group A Streptococcus infection; two residents with invasive infection died," the report said. "The investigation identified infection prevention lapses and an association between two or more wounds and Group A Streptococcus infection."

Nursing facilities need strong infection prevention programs, with emphasis on hand hygiene and wound care, to prevent potentially severe healthcare-associated outbreaks of Group A Streptococcus infection, health officials said.