Infection Control Resources to Identify Group A Streptococcus and Other Pathogens in Puerto Rico
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Group A Streptococcus (group A strep bacteria) can cause many different infections, ranging from minor to serious. The agency also warns the bacteria, of which Streptococcus pyogenes is the predominant species, can cause inflammatory diseases.
Examples of minor infections listed include impetigo, scarlet fever, and strep throat. Some of the serious infections listed by the CDC include cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Inflammatory diseases include post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis and rheumatic fever.
Some people may be at increased risk of getting a serious group A strep infection, according to the CDC. These include people with some viral infections and various medical conditions. The agency goes on to caution that group A strep bacteria are very contagious and that some infected people don't have symptoms or seem sick, but they can still spread the bacteria to others. It is generally spread through respiratory droplets or direct contact, and potentially by touching contaminated surfaces or objects.
“Group A strep can cause clusters and outbreaks of invasive disease, and the most common clusters and outbreaks investigated in the United States occur in long-term care facilities,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “The CDC also lists other settings for outbreak investigations, such as clusters of strep throat or scarlet fever among school-age children.”
To stop the spread of group A strep bacteria, people need to practice good hygiene, be aware of how it can spread via aerosols, and ensure that surfaces are properly cleaned and disinfected. The good news is there are ways mitigate airborne exposure risks, and to test equipment, surfaces, and other environmental samples for pathogens to assess the effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection procedures. Testing can also be used to help identify the source of an outbreak if one has already occurred.
Dedicated to supporting these efforts are the professionals at Zimmetry Environmental. They offer building assessments, environmental testing, monitoring, consulting, and infection control training services. They have even sponsored an educational video about group A strep exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/FCSmOA-LPZE
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their infection control, indoor environmental quality, compliance, and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005, or email info@zimmetry.com.
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals, and Fortune 500 companies. The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America. The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs, and general environmental consulting services.