The number of the cases recorded this year is two times higher than the 2018-2022 average.
A rise in Strep A cases has prompted a statewide heath alert for clinicians to be on the lookout for symptoms of iGAS disease and sepsis when evaluating patients.
A communique issued by Queensland Health revealed 537 cases have been recorded in the state this year to date. This figure is two times higher than the five-year average (2018-2022) and 1.6 times higher than the number of cases recorded from January-November 2023.
Clinicians were also reminded iGAS is a notifiable condition in Queensland.
The Communicable Diseases Network Australia released national guidelines for the surveillance, laboratory testing, case management and contact management of iGAS disease on 1 November.
Those at greatest risk of iGAS and the development of severe disease include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; adults aged over 75 years and children aged under five years; people who have chronic or immunocompromising medical conditions; and pregnant or birthing-neonate pairs.
The infection can be prevented by early detection and treatment of infections such as impetigo/cellulitis and strep throat infections and staying up to date with vaccinations (in particular, pneumococcal, meningococcal, influenza and covid).