Housing Initiatives to Address Strep A Infections and Reduce RHD Risks in Remote Indigenous Communities in Australia.

ABSTRACT: Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) skin infections (impetigo) can contribute to the development of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). This is of particular concern for Indigenous residents of remote communities, where rates of ARF and RHD are much higher than their urban and non-Indigenous counterparts. There are three main potential Strep A transmission pathways: skin to skin, surface to skin, and transmission through the air (via droplets or aerosols). Despite a lack of scientific certainty, the physical environment may be modified to prevent Strep A transmission through environmental health initiatives in the home, identifying a strong role for housing. This research sought to provide an outline of identified household-level environmental health initiativ

SUBMITTER: Lansbury N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11431237 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature