Investigation Tools

Key points

  • Invasive group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) should be investigated.
  • An effective investigation can help prevent additional cases and outbreaks.
  • These tools provide detailed approaches to investigating and controlling GAS infections in LTCFs.
Nurse taking care of an older male patient sitting in a wheelchair in a long-term care facility

Investigate even a single case

An investigation is warranted for even a single case of invasive GAS infection in a resident of a LTCF. This is due to the potential to prevent additional cases and subsequent outbreaks in populations at high risk of severe outcomes.

The purpose of the investigation is to:

  1. Identify any additional symptomatic cases among residents and staff
  2. Identify and treat asymptomatic carriers
  3. Assess and improve current infection control practices in the facility
  4. Identify potential transmission routes
  5. Identify routes of transmission, if two or more cases are identified in a 4-month period

Investigation tools

The tools to investigate clusters of invasive and non-invasive GAS infection depend on the number and type of cases. Each increase in cases necessitates a bigger response to control the outbreak.

These investigation tools can also be used to respond to clusters of non-invasive GAS infections (e.g., wound infections, pharyngitis).

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Get these 3 scenarios and antibiotic regimen information in one print-ready PDF file.
Download the tools

Scenario: 1 case
Use this tool when 1 invasive case of GAS infection is identified among LTCF residents.

Scenario: 2 cases
Use this tool when 2 (including at least 1 invasive) cases have been identified among LTCF residents.

Scenario: 3 or more cases
Use this tool when 3 (including at least 1 invasive) or more cases have been identified among LTCF residents.

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Content Source:
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases; Division of Bacterial Diseases