What is late-onset group B strep disease?
Invasive GBS infections (iGBS) occurring between 7 days to 3 months of age are called "late-onset" group B strep disease. Although less common, "ultra late-onset" GBS disease may occur after 3 months of age.  There are currently no prevention protocols in place to help prevent GBS disease beyond the first week of life. However, being able to recognize the signs of iGBS in babies is imperative – make sure everyone who takes care of your baby knows the signs and how to respond!
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Even if you have tested negative for GBS, once born, babies can become infected by sources other than the mother. Everyone should wash their hands thoroughly before handling your baby. There is also emerging research available associating a few late-onset and recurrent iGBS infections with infected breast milk. However, it is currently thought that the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the risk as breast milk can also supply your baby with important antibodies to fight many types of infection and has important overall health benefits.

​There are currently several vaccine efforts in development which may offer some protection for babies in early infancy.
Did you know?
  • Recurrent iGBS is when a baby has had a GBS infection, been treated successfully, and is later infected by GBS, again.
  • Late-onset GBS infection can less commonly present as a urinary tract infection (UTI).
    • UTI in neonates can result from a blood stream infection OR by bacteria ascending through the urethra as it most often does in adults or older children. 
    • A low number of bacteria in a urine specimen is often considered a contaminant and not a true infection. Contamination occurs when the area is not completely sterilized prior to collection of urine.   Bacteria that colonize the gastrointestinal tract (like GBS, E. coli, etc.) are frequently found in the diaper area and may show up in the specimen. 
  • Prematurity is more commonly associated with ultra late-onset GBS disease.
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The Signs of Late-onset Group B Strep
Learn more about the signs of a group B strep infection before and after birth on our signs page!
Download the “Signs of GBS Infection in Babies” (three per page) to post around your home for you and your baby’s caregivers to be able to refer to!
Late-onset group B strep has no prevention protocols and babies can become infected from sources other than the birthing parent. 

This is why knowing and recognizing the signs is so important! GBS is a fast-acting type of bacteria, making an otherwise healthy-appearing baby critically ill within hours. However, being able to recognize the signs of infection is imperative for seeking and receiving prompt medical treatment to help optimize the outcome. Help make sure no baby is overlooked! 

If any of these signs are recognized, contact your baby's healthcare provider immediately or take your baby to the emergency room:
  • ​Temperature: fever, low or unstable temperature
  • Eating habits: feeds poorly, refuses to eat, not waking to feed, vomiting
  • Sleeping habits: sleeping too much, difficulty being aroused
  • Breathing: fast, slow or difficult breathing
  • Sounds: high pitch cry, shrill moaning, whimpering, inconsolable, constant grunting
  • Behavior: marked irritability, reacting as if skin is tender, listless, floppy, not moving an arm or leg, blank stare, body stiffening, uncontrollable jerking
  • Skin Appearance: blue, gray or pale skin, blotchy or red skin, tense or bulgy fontanel, infection at the base of umbilical cord or head punctures from internal fetal monitor