Abstract
We present a series of 19 cases of invasive Group A streptococcal (iGAS) infection reported to the Thames Valley Health Protection Unit from 1 December 2010 to 15 January 2011. Ten patients died and a prodrome of influenza-like illness was reported in 14 cases.Influenza B co-infection was confirmed in four cases,three of which were fatal. Our report provides further evidence that influenza B co-infection with iGAS has the potential to cause significant morbidity and mortality.
Highlights
We present a series of 19 cases of invasive Group A streptococcal infection reported to the Thames Valley Health Protection Unit from 1 December 2010 to 15 January 2011
On 10 January 2011, the United Kingdom (UK) Chief Medical Officer issued a statement advising primary and secondary care doctors to remain vigilant to the possibility of severe bacterial co-infection in patients with influenza [1], because preliminary data indicated an increase in bacterial diseases known to cause coinfection with influenza
As reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 14 January 2011 [3], the current seasonal influenza outbreak has resulted in increased consultation rates across northern and western Europe
Summary
Group A streptococcal infections during the seasonal influenza outbreak 2010/11 in South East England. We present a series of 19 cases of invasive Group A streptococcal (iGAS) infection reported to the Thames Valley Health Protection Unit from 1 December 2010 to 15 January 2011. Ten patients died and a prodrome of influenza-like illness was reported in 14 cases.
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