About iGAS
Group A streptococcus (GAS), is a type of bacteria often found in the throat and on the skin. Group A streptococcal infections commonly cause sore throats, also known as strep throat. In rare cases the bacteria can also cause a severe, life-threatening infection known as invasive group A streptococcal disease (iGAS).
Two of the most severe forms of iGAS are:
- necrotising fasciitis (sometimes called ‘flesh-eating bacteria’)
- streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.
Prevention, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
The best way to prevent group A streptococcal infection is to maintain good hygiene. The symptoms of group A streptococcal infection depend on where the infection develops in the body.
For information about prevention, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, see healthdirect's iGAS page.
Surveillance and reporting
iGAS is a nationally notifiable disease.
We monitor cases through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System.
For more on iGAS in Australia, you can search Communicable Diseases Intelligence.