A child has tragically died and another has been rushed to hospital following a rare bacteria outbreak at a primary school. The two youngsters, believed to be six years old, both attended Ashford Church of England Primary School in Ashford, Surrey.
Pupils and teachers are being offered strong antibiotics by specialist doctors from the UK Health Security Agency against the bacteria, known as Strep A. The infection - also known as Group A streptococcal (iGAS) - can cause symptoms including a sore throat or skin rash and is spread by physical contact or through droplets from sneezing or coughing.
The child who passed away was a Year 1 pupil, while a second student - believed to be from the same year group - was rushed to hospital with serious symptoms. It is understood that they are now showing positive signs of recovery.
