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Strep throat is caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococci bacteria (also known as streptococcus pyogenes). A person develops strep throat after coming into contact with the bacteria in the saliva or nasal discharge of an infected person. This can occur during kissing, sneezing or coughing. It is unlikely that a person will contract strep from touching contaminated surfaces and then touching one’s own mouth, nose or eyes.

When strep throat recurs after treatment within a household, a carrier (person who carries the bacteria but displays no symptoms of infection) may be the cause. Occasionally, the strep bacteria may not have been entirely eliminated from a person’s body, even after antibiotic treatment. However, carriers are much less contagious than people with symptoms.

Factors that may increase a person’s risk of strep throat include:

• Age. Children between the ages of 5 and 15 years are at highest risk for strep throat. Strep throat rarely occurs in infants and toddlers.
  
  
• Crowded environments. Anyone spending time in crowded environments, such as work, school, playgrounds and daycare facilities is at an increased risk of catching infectious diseases, such as strep throat.
  
  
• Spring, fall months. Strep throat occurs most often during the spring and fall months.
  
  
• Poor hygiene. Anyone who fails to practice good hygiene (e.g., hand-washing with soap and water) is at an increased risk of developing bacterial infections, such as strep throat.
  
  
• Northern regions. Strep infections are more common in the northern areas of the United States, rather than in the southern areas.