Downing Street has urged parents to be on the “lookout” for symptoms after a rise in infections caused by the Strep A bacteria. Officials said they can “fully understand” that parents are concerned by rising cases but stressed the NHS is “well prepared” for such situations.
And Number 10 said it was not aware of any current shortage of the antibiotic amoxicillin. Across the UK at least six children have died with an invasive form of the Strep A bacterial infection in recent months, with a seventh possible case reported at the weekend.
Asked about the recent rise in cases, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “We are seeing a higher number of cases of Group A strep this year compared to usual. The bacteria we know causes a mild infection which is easily treated with antibiotics and in rare circumstances it can get into the bloodstream and cause serious illness.
“It is still uncommon but it’s important parents are on the lookout for symptoms. But the NHS is well prepared to deal with situations like this, working with the UK Health Security Agency.”
He said any parents who are concerned should contact the NHS. Asked if there was a shortage of the drug used to treat the infection, the spokesman added: “It’s important to reassure parents that there is no current shortage as far as we’re aware.
“Generally speaking, we have well established procedures to deal with any potentials for medicines shortages and to prevent them as we saw during the pandemic.”
Strep A infections are usually mild and can be easily treated with antibiotics – illnesses caused by the Group A strep bacteria include the skin infection impetigo, scarlet fever and strep throat. There have been a big leap in the number of scarlet fever cases.
There were 851 cases reported in the week November 14 to 20, compared to an average of 186 for the same timeframe in previous years. Symptoms of scarlet fever include 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. If a parent or carer suspects scarlet fever they should call their GP or 111 as prompt treatment with antibiotics can prevent serious illness and stop the spread of infection.
Strep A infections can develop into a more serious invasive Group A Strep (iGAS) infection – though this is rare. Officials have noticed an increase in iGAS cases this year, particularly in children under 10.
The increase in rates could be due to reduced immunity due to “reduced immunity from last three years and high levels of viral co-infections circulating”.
