An epidemic of "childbed fever"

Postpartum infection remains a cause of considerable maternal morbidity and occasional maternal mortality. Puerperal sepsis mediated by what is now known as group A beta-hemolytic streptococci or Streptococcus pyogenes was once a common and lethal nosocomial scourge. Fortunately, multiple developments have decreased the incidence and ameliorated the clinical course of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal postpartum sepsis. Despite these developments, epidemic group A streptococcal sepsis still jeopardizes modern mothers. We describe an epidemic of five women with group A beta-hemolytic streptococci-mediated postpartum infections which occurred at Mather Air Force Base Hospital, Sacramento, California. The remarkable, yet characteristic signs, symptoms, and clinical course of these patients are briefly reviewed along with the epidemiologic methods which led to the discovery of the common nosocomial source. Familiarization of the clinical aspects of these patients and the methods used to eradicate this epidemic will facilitate the protection and care of other women. Unfortunately, modern mothers still remain in jeopardy from "childbed fever."