An outbreak of puerperal fever caused by group C streptococci

Between 19 February and 18 April 1987, 33 confirmed cases of puerperal fever caused by Streptococcus equisimilis serotype T204 occurred at three hospitals in and around Chelmsford. Most of the cases (70%) occurred on one ward, in which toilet seats and a shower are believed to have aided transmission, although insufficient data were obtained to exclude a role for person-to-person spread. Possession of M-protein antigen was demonstrated in the outbreak strain.