Consumer Reports Health - Children's health - Infection in newborn babies (group B streptococcus)

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How common is group B strep infection in newborn babies?

Group B strep infection isn't common.

In 2006 about 1,500 babies in the United States got an early-onset group B strep infection. That's 1 in every 3,000 babies born.¹

The number of babies who get early-onset group B strep has fallen in the past 10 years. The reason is probably because more women are being given antibiotics during labor.

Sources for the information on this page:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Active bacterial core surveillance: group B streptococcus, 2006. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/abcs/survreports.htm (last accessed 16 April 2008).

This information was last updated in Apr 24, 2008

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.