A total of 15 children have now died within days of being diagnosed with Strep A in Britain. Health chiefs have issued an update on the number of cases of the bacterial infection.
New data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows 13 children under 15 have died in England since September. Two other deaths of children have been recorded in Belfast and Wales, taking the UK total to 15.
Strep A bacteria causes a range of infections including scarlet fever, strep throat and skin conditions including impetigo. While the majority of infections are relatively mild, sometimes the bacteria cause a life-threatening illness called invasive Group A Streptococcal disease.
The UKHSA has said there is no current evidence that a new strain is circulating. They say the rise in cases is most likely due to high amounts of circulating bacteria and increased social mixing.
Children with viral illnesses are being urged to remain at home. The UKHSA has urged parents to look out for key symptoms including a sore throat, headache, and fever, along with a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel. On darker skin, the rash can be more difficult to detect visually but will have a sandpapery feel.
It advised parents to contact NHS 111 or their GP if they suspected their child has scarlet fever. It added: "Early treatment with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia or a bloodstream infection. If your child has scarlet fever, keep them at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others."
Scarlet fever is caused by bacteria called group A streptococci. These bacteria also cause other respiratory and skin infections such as strep throat and impetigo.
In a statement it said: "In very rare occasions, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause an illness called invasive Group A strep (iGAS). While still uncommon, there has been an increase in invasive Group A strep cases this year, particularly in children under 10."
The news comes as pharmacists continue to use Twitter to complain of shortages in access to antibiotics, including the liquid version of penicillin, which is often given to children. Health Secretary Steve Barclay insisted on Wednesday that checks within the Department of Health have not revealed an issue with supply of the medicines.
However, the National Pharmacy Association has pointed to “blips” in the supply chain of liquid penicillin, while the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies said pharmacists across the country were struggling to source all they need.
