Invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS)

Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a bacterium that often lives in people’s throats or on their skin and most of the time does not cause illness. It spreads among people through skin contact, respiratory droplets such as sneezing and coughing and direct contact with contaminated items and surfaces.

When GAS invades parts of the body such as blood, muscles or lungs, severe, sometimes life-threatening disease can occur. These infections are called invasive GAS disease (iGAS). Two of the most severe forms are necrotising fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.

In the NT, iGAS disproportionally affects the Aboriginal population, with a high rate of disease in children under 5 years of age.

Notifiable disease

iGas is a notifiable disease.

Information for health professionals

Information for the public