The Pennsylvania Department of Health released a health update on February 16, 2023. Below is a summary.
Summary
- This guidance has been updated based on currently available information about pediatric invasive group A streptococcal infections nationally. This HAN replaces PA-HAN-679
- Based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) preliminary 2022 data, the suspected increase in invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections in children is a return to levels similar to those seen in pre-pandemic years.
- Laboratories are no longer being asked to store new iGAS isolates from children (<18 years of age) unless specifically requested by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) or your local health department.
- DOH recommends holding previously stored iGAS isolates for 3 months.
- It is important for providers to continue to recognize group A streptococcal (GAS) infections early, especially among patients at high risk for severe illness.
- Report cases of iGAS to DOH through Pennsylvania’s electronic disease surveillance system, PA-NEDSS.
- Notify DOH at 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258) or your local health department as soon as possible about potential increases or clusters of iGAS infections.