International GBS Awareness Month

Group B Strep (also known as Group B Streptococcus) is a type of bacteria that naturally comes and goes within the body. Most of the time the bacteria are not harmful but can cause severe infections in newborns.

This type of bacteria commonly lives in people's gastrointestinal and genital tracts. Most of the time the bacteria are not harmful but in other cases the bacteria can invade the body and cause

infections. Some examples of these are: bloodstream, bone, joint and lung infections. In newborns, GBS can cause bacteremia, sepsis, and meningitis.

1 in 4 women "carry" Group B strep. Among babies, there are 2 main types of GBS disease: early-onset (occurs during the first week of life) and late-onset. (Occurring from the first week to 3 months of life) Doctors should test women in pregnancy around 36-37 weeks for GBS. Pregnant women can be given antibiotics through an IV during labor to help prevent infection in newborns. Testing positive for GBS does not mean a woman is sick. However, they are at increased risk for passing the bacteria to their babies during birth. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent GBS bacteria or diseases. Researchers are working toward this.

July is International GBS Awareness Month, which was created to bring awareness to the public about Group B strep. It has become a focal point for organizations and individuals to share their stories. If you have a story, share so others can learn and be aware.

https://www.cdc.gov/groupbstrep/about/infection.html

https://www.cdc.gov/groupbstrep/about/fast-facts.html

https://www.groupbstrepinternational.org/july_gbs_awareness_month.html