Fifteen children under the age of 15 have now died in the UK from invasive Strep A illness, new data shows. Figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show 13 children under 15 have died in England since September.
Two other deaths of children have been recorded in Belfast and Wales. This takes the UK total to 15.
Group A Strep bacteria can cause many different infections, ranging from minor illnesses to deadly diseases. Illnesses caused by Strep A include the skin infection impetigo, scarlet fever and strep throat.
