UPDATE: MONARCH MED SPA POSSIBLE EXPOSURE TO GROUP A STREPTOCOCCUS

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is advising customers who have had cosmetic procedures at Monarch Med Spa since August 1, 2012 that they may have been exposed to Group A Streptococcus or Group A Strep. The division is alerting customers as a precaution after learning of infections among several customers, including one Delawarean who had a procedure at an out-of-state location. Further investigation has revealed that the potential second case did not undergo a procedure at Monarch Med Spa.

At this time, there are no known cases of Group Strep A linked to the Greenville, Delaware location. DPH is monitoring the situation closely and working closely with public health officials in Maryland and Pennsylvania.

Symptoms include fever, pain, or prolonged redness of the wound site after a procedure. Delawareans who received services at Monarch Med Spa, or have had close contact with someone who did, since August 1, 2012 and are experiencing symptoms should call their health care provider or the Delaware Division of Public Health at 888-295-5156. Group A Strep can be transmitted from person to person.

Group A Strep is a bacterium often found in the throat and on the skin. Most people have no symptoms from the bacterium, some have mild illnesses such as "strep throat," or impetigo, while a few develop severe and even life-threatening diseases.

Monarch Med Spa has locations in Greenville; King of Prussia, Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Pa.; and Timonium, Md. More information about Group A Streptococcus can be found at www.cdc.gov.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.