Parents are being urged to look out for symptoms of Strep A following a steep rise in cases. At least nine children have died with strep A infection since September, prompting the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to issue a rare alert on Friday evening.
The Government has confirmed there were 851 cases reported in the week to November 20 compared to an average of 186 for the preceding years. Dr Colin Brown, Deputy Director, UKHSA, said: "We are seeing a higher number of cases of Group A strep this year than usual.
"The bacteria usually causes 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).
