May 15, 2024

For group A streptococcal infections, invasive (iGAS), the NWT is deferring information regarding case definition, diagnosis, overview of communicable disease and public health measures to Alberta Health Services Public Health Disease Management Guidelines.

Note: Any additional information that is NWT specific will be found on this page and supersedes the direction provided in the Alberta Health Services resource. This includes but is not limited to reporting requirements and specified public health measures set out below.

See Alberta Public Health Disease Management Guidelines: group A streptococcal infections, invasive, (iGAS).

REPORTING

All HCPs must follow the NWT Public Health Act. Measures for contact tracing and legislative requirements are laid out within the Reportable Disease Control Regulations and reporting timelines are found in the Disease Surveillance Regulations.

Note: the only acceptable methods of reporting to the OCPHO are outlined below. Information provided outside of these methods will not be considered reported unless otherwise stated by a CPHO delegate.

Health Care Professionals

For Part 1 Call immediately and written report within 24 hours

• Confirmed and probable cases are to be reported immediately after diagnosis is made or opinion is formed to the Office of the Chief Public Health Office (OCPHO) by telephone (867) 920- 8646, AND
• Within 24 hours complete and fax the following to OCPHO at 867-873-0442
  • Communicable Disease Report Form

• If there are any updates regarding the case or contacts the appropriate form will need to be resent with the additional information
• Immediately report all outbreaks or suspect outbreaks by telephone (867)-920-8646 to the OCPHO

Laboratories

• Report all positive results to the OCPHO by telephone (867) 920-8646 AND by fax (867) 873-0442 within 24 hours

ADDITIONAL NWT SPECIFIC INFORMATION AND PUBLIC HEALTH ACTION

In the Alberta Health Services Public Health Disease Management Guidelines chapter on IGAS, prophylaxis is offered up to 7 days post exposure to a severe case.  The CPHO of the NWT may direct the prophylaxis window to extend to 10 days post exposure in some cases of severe IGAS. Contacts should be notified to monitor for signs and symptoms for 30 days post exposure.

Chemoprophylaxis is provided to eradicate nasopharyngeal colonization of GAS and prevent secondary cases.

• Offer chemoprophylaxis to close contacts of cases with severe invasive disease. (see Alberta Chapter for definition of close contacts)
• Offer chemoprophylaxis as soon as possible (and preferably within 24 hours of case identification/notification) but may be offered up to TEN days after the last exposure unless the exposure occurred after the case has completed 24 hours of appropriate antibiotic therapy.
• Educate all close contacts of invasive GAS disease:
  • About disease transmission, appropriate personal hygiene, routine practices and contact precautions.
  • To monitor for symptoms and seek medical attention immediately if they develop symptoms of GAS within 30 days of diagnosis in the index case.

PUBLIC & HEALTH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

For more information on group A streptococcal infections, invasive (iGAS):

EPIDEMIOLOGY

• For information on the epidemiology of group A streptococcal infections, invasive (iGAS), in the NWT see: Epidemiological Summary of Communicable Diseases HSS Professionals.