Invasive group A streptococcal infection outbreaks of type emm118 in a long-term care facility, and of type emm74 in the homeless population, Montréal, Quebec

Abstract

The detection and control of iGAS outbreaks in both long-term care establishments and among community organizations providing homeless services are very complex. An outbreak of iGAS can develop in the background over a long time and be easily overlooked despite cases being admitted to the hospital.<i>Emm</i>typing and systematic research of previous cases of iGAS are essential tools for the detection and characterization of outbreaks. Close cooperation among public health agencies, clinical teams, community organizations and laboratories is essential for proper monitoring and the reduction of GAS transmission in the community and health care settings.