Deadly new UK strep A variant leading to disease surge in Australia

An invasive strep A variant first identified in the UK has probably contributed to a similar uptick in serious disease, researchers say. Photograph: Science Photo Library/Alamy

The invasive strep A variant first identified in the UK and thought to be behind a surge in deaths there and throughout Europe has likely contributed to a similar uptick in serious disease and hospitalisations in Australia, researchers say.

While most people who get strep A will not become extremely sick, the bacteria can lead to severe life-threatening infections. A mutant strep A strain, named M1UK, was discovered in the UK in 2019 and has been since been linked with surge in scarlet fever cases, severe infections known as “invasive strep A”, and deaths.