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.
