The 20 Best Streptococcal Group A Infection Doctors Near Me in Rapid City, SD

Group A Streptococcus (strep) is a caused by a bacterium found in the throat and on the skin and is a potentially life-threatening disease. Two severe forms of invasive strep are 1) “the flesh-eating bacteria” (necrotizing fasciitis) and 2) Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS). Both severe forms, however, are rare. Strep bacteria are spread through contact with infected persons or wounds. Necrotizing fasciitis can be caused by infected cuts, scrapes, burns, insect bites, puncture wounds, blunt trauma, and surgical wounds. While anyone can be infected with invasive strep, individuals with chronic diseases (cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung or heart disease), persons using steroid medications, individuals with skin lesions, and individuals living in residential communities (nursing homes, mental health facilities, and prisons, etc.) have a higher risk. In rare cases, invasive strep can cause pneumonia, organ failure, long-term heart problems, rapidly progressing life-threatening skin infection, and lead to amputations and death.