An Outbreak of Skin Infections Caused by Group A Beta-Hemolytic Streptococci Probably Originating from Wild Moose

Abstract

An outbreak of about 20 recorded cases of impetiginous skin infections occurred during the moose (Alces alces) hunting season in October and November 1976 in persons having been in contact with moose from Hailuoto Island, Northern Finland. Samples for bacteriological studies were obtained from 4 patients, and beta-hemolytic streptococci group A were isolated from all. The strains were biochemically identical. Epidemiological data strongly support a moose origin of the streptococci, even though none were isolated from the animals.