iGAS webinar (invasive group A streptococcus) -update and overview

Doctors and emergency departments have seen a rise of iGAS cases across Australia, echoing a similar rise internationally. This webinar, presented by EMPHN, NWMPHN and the North Eastern Public Health Unit (NEPHU) looks at international and local epidemiology and trends, discusses clinical presentation and considerations (including early symptoms, rapid onset, paediatric vs adult presentation and progression, current guidelines and public health messaging), and hears firsthand from a GP about iGAS presentation.
Learning outcomes:
• recognise the early signs of iGAS and distinguish the symptoms and progression in paediatric vs adult patients,
• identify the context of the rise in cases
• apply current clinical and treatment guidelines,
• recognise the role of public health units in iGAS and other communicable diseases.
Presenters:
Dr Raquel Cowan, Clinical Lead, NEPHU.
Dr Raquel Cowan is an infectious diseases physician based at Northern Health who is one of the Clinical Leads at NEPHU. In addition to this role, she is also Head of Infectious Diseases at Ballarat Health Services.
Dr Scott Parson.
Dr Scott Parsons is a GP with special interest in paediatrics who currently works in the emergency department of the Royal Children’s Hospital and Private General Practice. He also is a clinical editor for Melbourne HealthPathways focusing primarily on Paediatric pathways.
Disclaimer:
The content in this session is valid at date of presentation.