An outbreak of Group C streptococcal infection (Streptococcus equisimi
lis serotype T204) occurred in a Maternity Unit in Durham over a 2-wee
k period. The outbreak strain possessed an M-protein antigen identical
to that found in a previously reported Maternity Unit outbreak. Seven
patients in total were affected, and in two patients infected perinea
l wounds took several weeks to heal. The source of the outbreak appear
ed to be a patient who developed a perineal wound infection and who su
bsequently returned to the ward for reassessment. Environmental contam
ination is likely to have been the reservoir of infection for the subs
equent patients. The outbreak was controlled by applying strict infect
ion control procedures and establishing a high standard of routine cle
aning.