Metadata

Publication title

Group A Streptococcus (GAS): quarterly surveillance report

Description

This report describes cases of invasive Group A Streptococcus in Scotland.

Theme

Invasive Group A Streptococcus Infections in Scotland.

Topic

iGAS

Format

HTML

Data source(s)

Electronic Communication of Surveillance in Scotland (ECOSS)

Date that data are acquired

31 July 2024

Release date

27 August 2024

Frequency

Quarterly

Timeframe of data and timeliness

January 2017 to June 2024, approximately two months in arrears.

Continuity of data

Data from 2017 to June 2024 is presented.

Revisions statement

None

Revisions relevant to this publication

None

Concepts and definitions

GAS infections are classified as invasive if they have been isolated by culture or accredited molecular methods (such as PCR) from a normally sterile body site, such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid, joint aspirate, pericardial peritoneal-pleural fluids, bone, endometrium, deep tissue or deep abscess at operation or post-mortem.

An iGAS-related death is defined as death (from all causes) within seven days of a positive iGAS specimen.

Information on laboratory culture-positive reports of all GAS and iGAS infections are routinely submitted to the Electronic Communication of Surveillance in Scotland (ECOSS).

iGAS cases in Scotland are notifiable under the Public Health (Scotland) Act 2008.

Relevance and key uses of the statistics

Data are collected as part of mandatory public health surveillance providing data to monitor the epidemiology of GAS and iGAS, informing public health planning and response. 

Statistics are used by PHS for surveillance purposes and published for transparency. 

Accuracy

The data are considered accurate. 

Data are validated locally by partnerships. 

PHS carries out further validation checks in consultation with NHS Boards, as required. 

The Code of Practice for Statistics has been followed to ensure a high standard of data value, trustworthiness and quality. 

Completeness

All data returned from ECOSS is used for analysis.

Comparability

Scottish data is regularly compared to UKHSA Group A Streptococcal disease data and information.

Accessibility

It is the policy of Public Health Scotland (PHS) to make its web sites and products accessible according to published guidelines.

Coherence and clarity

The report has been produced using the standard PHS publications template and is available as HTML web pages. 

Value type and unit of measurement

Number of invasive Group A Streptococcal cases.

Disclosure

The PHS protocol on statistical disclosure is followed.

Official Statistics accreditation

Official statistics in development.

UK Statistics Authority Assessment

Not assessed.

Last published

28 May 2024

Next published

26 November 2024

Date of first publication

28 May 2024

Help email

phs.flu@phs.scot

Date form completed

13 August 2024

Last updated: 13 August 2025
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