Parents are being told of four warning signs to look out for after a six-year-old child died from a rare bacteria outbreak at a primary school.
The youngster, who was in Year 1 at Ashford Church of England Primary School in Ashford, Surrey, died and a second child was taken to hospital, after they both contracted the bacteria known as Strep A.
Classmates and teachers were given strong antibiotics by specialists from the UK Health Security Agency and information has been shared with parents about the signs and symptoms of the bacteria - Group A streptococcal (iGAS).
A spokesman for the UK Health Security Agency confirmed the death of one child and the admittance to hospital of another.
She said: "Specialists are arranging for antibiotics to be offered to pupils and staff at a Surrey school as a precautionary measure, following two cases of invasive Group A streptococcal infection (iGAS).
"Sadly, one pupil from Ashford Church of England Primary School has died and another is in hospital, but showing positive signs of recovery."
Dr Claire Winslade, health protection consultant at UKHSA South East, added: "We are extremely saddened to hear about the death of a pupil at Ashford Church of England School, and our thoughts are with their family, friends and the school community.
"As a precautionary measure, we have recommended antibiotics to pupils and staff in the same year groups as the individuals affected. We have provided advice to the school to help prevent further cases and will continue to monitor the situation.
"Information has been shared with parents about the signs and symptoms of iGAS, which include high fever with severe muscle aches, pain in one area of the body and unexplained vomiting or diarrhoea. Anyone with these symptoms should call NHS111 immediately."
"Infection with Group A Streptococcus bacterium usually causes a sore throat or skin rash and is passed by physical contact or through droplets from sneezing or coughing. In very rare cases, the infection can become invasive and enter parts of the body where bacteria aren't normally found, which can be serious."
What is Group A Streptococcus?
Group A Streptococcus is the name given to a type of bacteria sometimes found in the throat or on the skin.
Group A Streptococcus usually causes mild illness like sore throats and skin infections.
Rarely these bacteria can cause severe and life threatening illness called invasive Group A Streptococcal disease.
How could I catch Group A Streptococcus?
Many people carry Group A Strep harmlessly and do not develop illness.
It can be passed from person to person by close contact such as kissing or skin contact.
Most people who come into contact with Group A Strep remain well and symptom free, some get mild throat or skin infections.
Contracting invasive disease from a relative or household member is very rare.
You can reduce the risk of picking up Group A Strep by always washing your hands thoroughly.
Pregnant women or those having gynaecology treatments are advised to wash their hands before and after going to the toilet.
It is also important to dispose of tissues after use and to wash your hands when you have a cough or cold.
What are the symptoms?
Group A Strep can cause throat infection, scarlet fever or skin infections such as cellulitis or impetigo.
These infections are usually treated with antibiotics.
Very rarely it can cause severe illness when the bacteria get into parts of the body that are usually free from bacteria such as the lungs, blood or muscles.
This is called invasive Group A Streptococcal disease.
Invasive disease happens when the bacteria get past your body’s immune defences.
This can happen when you are already ill or are on treatments, such as some cancer treatments, that affect your immune system.
Two of the most severe types of invasive disease are necrotising fasciitis and toxic shock syndrome.
Am I at any increased risk of invasive disease?
Those at an increased risk of invasive Group A Streptococcal disease include people who:
- are in close contact with someone who has the disease
- are over the age of 65
- are diabetic, have heart disease or cancer
- have recently had chickenpox
- have HIV
- use some steroids or other intravenous drugs
What are the warning signs of invasive disease?
The symptoms can include:
- fever (a high temperature above 38°C )
- severe muscle aches
- localised muscle tenderness
- redness at the site of a wound
If you think you or someone you care for has symptoms of invasive Group A Strep contact your GP or NHS 111 immediately.
