Strep A cases don't pose public health threat

A patient admitted to Campbell County Memorial Hospital three weeks ago did not initially present severe symptoms of evasive Streptococcus A, also commonly referred to as flesh-eating bacteria, according to a press release.

Yet after further analysis, that case and two others were confirmed as virulent strains of the bacteria, the hospital said. The group of bacteria referred to as Strep A usually results in sore throats and other mild health problems.

The hospital has scheduled a public information session at noon Friday with Dr. Christopher Brown, the hospital’s infectious disease specialist to discuss the bacteria. The meeting will be in the hospital’s fifth-floor classrooms.

Flesh-eating bacteria, also known as necrotising fasciitis, is caused by bacteria, most commonly Strep A, entering the body through an open cut, wound, insect bite or puncture wound, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Once it enters the body, the bacteria spreads rapidly and can infect the blood, fat and the connective tissue around the muscles.

CCMH said it continues to follow up on the cases, and to work closely with the Wyoming Department of Health and Campbell County Public Health.

“The hospital follows very strict infection control protocols when dealing with patients, in disinfecting patient rooms and operating rooms,” it said in the press release. “At no point were other patients at risk of contracting the invasive form of Strep A at the hospital, nor are they now.”

It added that the safety and health of its patients is its No. 1 priority.

“Strep A is a fairly common organism. Unfortunately, some people with increased risk of household contact, compromised immune systems, diabetes, or are over age 65 can get a severe form of the disease,” said State Epidemiologist Tracy Murphy in the hospital’s press release.

“Some strains of Strep A are more prone to cause severe disease than others. There is no evidence to suggest a public health threat to the community,” she added.

The public forum will be on Friday, September 28 at noon at CCMH fifth-floor classrooms 1 and 2