Two dead amid invasive strep outbreak at Maplehurst jail, health officials say

By: Laura Steiner, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

Two people have died at the Maplehurst Correctional Complex in Milton following an outbreak of invasive group A streptococcal disease, or iGAS, Halton Region says.

Health officials are also managing cases of influenza A at the jail but say no deaths have been linked to that outbreak.

Group A streptococcus is a bacterial infection that spreads through person-to-person contact. While some people carry the bacteria in their throat or on their skin without symptoms, in rare cases, it can become invasive—entering the bloodstream or deep tissues—which can lead to life-threatening complications.

Canada is seeing a record number of dangerous, fast-moving strep infections. Provincial reports indicate dozens of deaths in recent months.

“At this time, we are aware of two deaths connected with this iGAS outbreak,” Halton Region’s public health team said in a statement.

Officials emphasized the importance of infection prevention, saying, “Keeping every member of our community safe and healthy is a top priority. We are working closely with the facility and provincial partners to manage the outbreak and ensure appropriate infection prevention and control measures are in place.”

Brian Gray, spokesperson for Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General, said the ministry has not confirmed the deaths but acknowledged that the Halton Public Health Unit had declared the outbreaks.

According to Gray, health-care staff are monitoring inmates daily, assessing and treating those with symptoms, and increasing cleaning efforts.

“Any deaths that occurred during the outbreak are under investigation by public health and the coroner’s office,” he said.

Janet Laverty, chair of the ministry employee relations committee for the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), said the Ministry of Health notified OPSEU about the situation this week.

“Our members continue to work in these difficult conditions and have also been impacted by these outbreaks,” Laverty said.

“Several have required medical attention, and we are working to ensure that appropriate supports are in place for those affected.”

Public Health Ontario has reported a rise in iGAS cases in recent years. Infectious diseases specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch, from Toronto General Hospital, said invasive group A strep can cause very severe illness and is challenging to control in group settings like shelters, dorms, barracks and prisons.

“We know that there’s a greater rate of colonization and infection in these environments,” he said, adding, “it needs prompt medical care and attention.”

Public Health Ontario data suggests that in 2023, there were approximately 4,600 confirmed iGAS cases, with an estimated infection rate as high as 12 cases per 100,000 people.

While group A strep typically causes mild illnesses like strep throat or skin infections, invasive cases present more severe symptoms, including intense pain, redness and high fever. Experts stress that individuals with iGAS become critically ill and require urgent medical intervention.