Increasing incidence of invasive group A streptococcal disease in Western Australia, particularly among Indigenous people

The incidence of invasive GAS disease in WA increased between 2000 and 2018, particularly among Indigenous Australians. Mandatory notification of invasive GAS disease would therefore be appropriate. The social determinants of differences in incidence should be addressed, and other relevant host, pathogen, and health system factors investigated.

Citation:
Wright CM, Moorin R, Pearson G, Dyer JR, Carapetis JR, Manning L. Increasing incidence of invasive group A streptococcal disease in Western Australia, particularly among Indigenous people. Med J Aust. 2021.

Keywords:
Bacterial infections; Communicable diseases; Epidemiology; Indigenous health; Public health; Streptococcus

Abstract:
The incidence of invasive GAS disease in WA increased between 2000 and 2018, particularly among Indigenous Australians. Mandatory notification of invasive GAS disease would therefore be appropriate. The social determinants of differences in incidence should be addressed, and other relevant host, pathogen, and health system factors investigated.