Children at primary schools affected by Strep A could be given antibiotics en masse as a prevention measure, it has been reported.
A Government minister revealed the plan, described as "rare" by health officials, after the eighth death of a child from the infection. According to the i, the "highly unusual" move would see penicillin or an alternative antibiotic given to all children in a year group that had been hit by a case of Strep A - even if they did not have symptoms.
Health officials reportedly confirmed the plan to the newspaper - which the i noted is contrary to the normal health advice of doctors. GPs generally avoid mass prescription of antibiotics as it can build up resistance to serious infections in the population.
