Outbreaks of group A Streptococcus infections at weight loss clinics in Maryland and Delaware were probably caused by the staffs' poor infection control practices, according to an article on the Chicago Tribune website.

All of the patients had undergone liposuction at a chain of "medical spas," that have licensed doctors or nurses, but are not subject to state regulation.

At the time of the outbreak, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene had been notified of three patients hospitalized with invasive strep infections, including one who died. All of them had undergone liposuction at a Maryland facility, the article said.

One additional infection case was confirmed at a spa in Delaware.

The same doctor had performed the procedures on all four confirmed infected patients and had worked in Maryland and Delaware. 

That doctor and his team reported wearing surgical gloves and masks during the procedures, but not during pre-op prep or postoperative care.

Read the article.