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Published on: February 9, 2011
Boarding school outbreak of group A streptococcal pharyngitis
A A Rushdy1, R P Cooke, A M Iversen
1East Sussex Health Authority.
Communicable Disease Report. CDR Review
|June 23, 1995
Summary
A Streptococcus pyogenes outbreak in a boarding school was linked to poor ventilation in specific dormitories. Prompt treatment of all identified cases and carriers effectively controlled the pharyngitis outbreak.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Control
- Public Health
Background:
- Group A beta-haemolytic Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) is a common cause of pharyngitis.
- Outbreaks in close-living settings like boarding schools necessitate rapid identification and control measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate an outbreak of S. pyogenes pharyngitis in a boarding school.
- To identify transmission factors and implement control strategies.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a point-prevalence survey involving throat swabbing of all pupils and staff.
- Epidemiological analysis to determine attack rates and identify high-risk areas.
- Clinical assessment of symptomatic individuals.
Main Results:
- Identified 14 S. pyogenes pharyngitis cases and 16 asymptomatic carriers among pupils, plus one staff case.
- Significantly higher attack rates were observed in two specific dormitories compared to others.
- Poor ventilation was noted in the dormitories with the highest case numbers.
Conclusions:
- The S. pyogenes outbreak was effectively controlled by treating all identified cases and carriers.
- Environmental factors, particularly poor ventilation in dormitories, likely contributed to airborne transmission and higher attack rates in affected areas.
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