GPs have been told to be ready to prescribe antibiotics if there is a slight chance children may have the Strep A infection which has claimed another life.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged medics to take "low threshold" after the deadly infection was linked to the deaths of seven children.
Downing Street today rubbished reports of a shortage of drug amoxicillin and claimed the NHS is "well prepared" to deal with the wave of cases.
A 12-year-old boy is the latest Strep A victim, and the first secondary school-aged child known to have died as a result of the infection.
His South London school today voiced its shock and said pupils and the boy's family are being supported.
Today a note from the UKHSA called on doctors to be cautious and set a "low threshold” for prescribing treatment as concern about Strep A grows.
An alert has been sent to all GPs, urgent care centres, A&E departments and paediatric and infectious disease services.
While it is not thought a new strain is in circulation, increased social mixing and the high number of winter bugs is thought to have caused the jump in infections.
Experts fear a lack of natural immunity after lockdowns and social distancing may be to blame for the deaths.
UKHSA chief medical advisor Dr Susan Hopkins told BBC Radio 4: “The numbers [of Step A infections circulating] that we are seeing each week are not as high as we’d normally see at the peak of season, but they’re much, much higher than we’ve seen at this time of year for the last five years.
“So we’re concerned and concerned enough to ensure that we want to make the public aware of the signs and symptoms that they should watch out for, and, of course, to alert clinicians to prescribe antibiotics for these conditions.”
Health chiefs have warned parents to keep a close eye for symptoms and act quickly after confirming the locations of eight serious Strep A cases.
The PM's official spokesman said this morning: "We fully understand that parents will be concerned by reports.
"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.
"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 UKHSA."
He said parents who are concerned should "get in touch" with the NHS. "There is no current shortage as far as we're aware" of amoxicillin, he added.
In the last week Muhammad Ibrahim Ali, four, from High Wycombe, Hanna Roap, seven, from Penarth, Wales, a six-year-old child from Ashford in Surrey and a primary-school aged child from north Ealing, London have all died with Strep A infection.
Two other English children under 10 also died within seven days of being diagnosed, although the dates of their deaths are currently unknown.
Hanna's dad Abul said he thought his daughter could have been saved if she was given antibiotics.
He later told the BBC: "I don't have all the information to hand so I can't pass judgment. I hope that everything is examined and checked correctly.
"I just want peace of mind that everything was done correctly. If it was, then I can't blame anyone."
Meanwhile four-year-old Camila Rose Burns is fighting for her life on a ventilator at Alder Hey Children's Hospital after contracting Strep A.
Dad Dean Burns said the family has been "living in an absolute nightmare" since her condition got worse.
The latest known victim to die is a Year 8 pupil at Colfe’s School in Lewisham.
In a statement headteacher Richard Russell said: "It is with regret that we must confirm that a Year 8 pupil at Colfe’s died on Tuesday, 29 November as a result of invasive group A streptococcal infection.
"This wholly unexpected tragedy has affected all members of the school community, including pupils, parents and staff. We are doing what we can to support the pupil’s family who are seeking to come to terms with their devastating loss.
"Our priority at this difficult time is to support our pupils and to ensure that the guidance of the UKHSA is being communicated to parents and followed meticulously. There will be no further statements to the press."
Parents of children with Strep A who have died or are battling for their lives have told others to act immediately if they spot any symptoms.
Strep A can cause various health issues, including impetigo, strep throat and scarlet fever.
Most cases are relatively mild, but the bacteria can also lead to the life-threatening illness called invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) disease.
Symptoms include a sore throat, fever and minor skin infections which can be treated with antibiotics in most cases.
Anyone with severe muscle aches, high fever, unexplained vomiting, diarrhoea, or pain in one area of the body should seek urgent medical help.
Symptoms
- Sore throat
- High fever
- Severe muscle aches
- Minor skin infections
- Unexplained vomiting
Diarrhoea
Pain in one area of the body
Key illnesses linked to Strep A and what to look out for:
Streptococcal sore throat
- fever and chills
- vomiting and abdominal pain
- a red sore throat with thick pus-like fluid near the tonsil area
- tender lymph nodes around the neck that are enlarged
Scarlet fever
- swollen throat
- a bright red tongue, known as strawberry tongue
- paleness around the mouth
- a pink or red rash across the stomach, side of the chest and in the skin folds. This can itch, often looks like bad sunburn and can feel like sandpaper to touch
Impetigo
- blisters, typically around the mouth, nose and legs
- fever
- swollen lymph nodes in severe cases
