A streptococci are more likely to cause severe disease than others. Approximately 10,000 to 15,000 cases occur in the United States each year, resulting in over 2,000 deaths. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 500 to 1,500 cases of necrotizing fasciitis and 2,000 to 3,000 cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome occur each year. Few people who come in contact with this highly infectious strain of bacteria will develop invasive disease. Many will have a routine throat or skin infection and most will have no symptoms at all.
Many different antibiotics can treat group A streptococcal infections.
Early treatment may reduce the risk of death in cases of invasive disease. It is always important to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed. To avoid spreading the bacteria to others, stay home from work, school, or day care until 24 hours or more after taking an antibiotic. A streptococcal infections may be reduced by washing the hands with soap and water, especially after coughing and sneezing, before preparing foods, and before eating. Persons with sore throats should be seen by a doctor to rule out strep throat.