Report on Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infections in the Rochester Area

Albany, May 9, 1997 – The New York State Department of Health today issued the attached final report on the investigation of the Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infections in Monroe and surrounding counties. The report concludes that there was no evidence of a community wide outbreak of Invasive Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infection in the Rochester area. Additionally this epidemiologic investigation and laboratory data were consistent with transmission from colonized Health Care Workers to patients on the obstetric service at Strong Memorial Hospital.

  • The response of the infection control staff at Strong Memorial Hospital was prompt and appropriate. There were no reports of lapses in infection control practice by Strong Memorial Hospital staff.
  • Although case reports of invasive GAS infection from the Rochester area were higher in the first three months of 1997 than last year, the incidence rate falls within reported rates from the United States.
  • There is no evidence of a community wide outbreak.

5/9/97-51 OPA