UK parents told to look out for signs of strep A in their children after six deaths

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Parents across the UK are being urged to look out for symptoms of strep A infection in their children, after health officials revealed a rise in cases had led to the deaths of six youngsters.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a rare alert on Friday evening amid a dramatic rise in cases across the country, telling parents to seek medical help “as soon as possible” if they detect signs in their children, in order to stop the infection becoming serious.

Symptoms include a sore throat, fever and minor skin infections. In most cases, people can be treated with antibiotics and make a full recovery. In rare cases, strep A can become a severe illness, and anyone with high fever, severe muscle aches, pain in one area of the body and unexplained vomiting or diarrhoea should seek urgent medical help.

A typical season sees one or two children under the age of 10 die as a result of strep A. This season, five children in England and one in Wales have already lost their lives.

Public health officials told the Guardian there was currently no evidence that a new strain was circulating. The rise in cases and deaths is most likely related to high amounts of circulating bacteria and increased social mixing after two years of Covid restrictions in the UK.

“We are seeing a higher number of cases of group A strep this year than usual,” Dr Colin Brown, the deputy director of UKHSA, said in a statement released on Friday evening.

“The bacteria usually cause a mild infection producing sore throats or scarlet fever that can be easily treated with antibiotics. In very rare circumstances, this bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause serious illness – called invasive group A strep (iGAS).

“This is still uncommon. However, it is important that parents are on the lookout for symptoms and see a doctor as quickly as possible so that their child can be treated and we can stop the infection becoming serious. Make sure you talk to a health professional if your child is showing signs of deteriorating after a bout of scarlet fever, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection.”

More details soon …