Boarding school outbreak of group A streptococcal pharyngitis
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
A A Rushdy1, R P Cooke, A M Iversen
1East Sussex Health Authority.
Abstract:
In an outbreak of pharyngitis caused by group A beta-haemolytic Streptococcus pyogenes in a boarding school of 261 pupils and 45 staff, 14 cases and 16 asymptomatic carriers were identified in pupils and one case was a member of staff. One symptomatic pupil had negative swabs. Two pupils had recurrent S. pyogenes pharyngitis before the outbreak. The attack rate was significantly greater in two dormitories than in the other seven. Swabs were taken from all staff and pupils, and the outbreak was controlled by treating all carriers and cases. Environmental factors enhancing airborne transmission were considered. The two dormitories with the most cases were poorly ventilated.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Streptococcal Pharyngitis
Diphtheria
Bacterial Gastroenteritis

