Greater Manchester school hit by Strep A outbreak

Health bosses are urging parents to be on the lookout for warning signs of Strep A after an outbreak hit a school in Wigan last week. Orrell Holgate Academy had at least two students in the same year group with the illness which has led to the school ‘enhancing hygiene measures’ which included ‘hand washing and keeping surfaces clean’.

Gail Worrall, Headteacher, said: “Public Health guidelines clarify an outbreak as two or more cases in the same year group. When we met this criterion last week we immediately shared information with parents so that they could be vigilant too.

“We further enhanced hygiene measures such as hand washing and keeping commonly used surfaces clean.”

The bacteria that can cause scarlet fever and other infectious diseases like strep throat has been spreading across the country in recent months. Now parents are being warned to look out for red flags in their children as the Christmas holidays have now commenced.

Director for Public Health at Wigan Council, Rachael Musgrave, said: “Wigan Council is working alongside UKHSA to support the school and they are following all the recommended actions in response and communicating with parents.

“Group A Strep is a bacteria that can cause scarlet fever, and other infections such as strep throat, which are usually mild and can be treated easily. Please visit NHS.uk, contact 111 online or your GP surgery if your child has symptoms of this infection so they can be assessed for treatment.

“In very rare occasions, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause ‘invasive Group A Strep’ (iGAS).

“There has been a slightly higher number of these cases than expected at this time of year and very sadly, a small number of deaths in the UK. We know that the news is worrying for parents, but we would like to stress that while we are seeing an increase in cases in children across the country, iGAS remains very uncommon.

“There a lots of winter bugs circulating that can make your child feel unwell, that mostly aren’t cause for alarm. However, make sure you talk to a health professional if your child is getting worse after a bout of scarlet fever, a sore throat or respiratory infection – look out for signs such as a fever that won’t go down, dehydration, extreme tiredness and difficulty breathing.”

Parents are advised to look out for symptoms of a Group A Strep illness, including:

Sore throat
Headache
Strawberry tongue or tonsils (swollen or bumpy or covered in white spots)
A fine, pinkish or red body rash with rougher skin that feels like sandpaper. On darker skin the rash may be more difficult to see
If your child is under three months old and has a temperature of 38°C or is older than three months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher (if you have a thermometer to check)
If your child feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest or feels sweaty (if you don’t have a thermometer to check)

If you think your child is poorly and getting worse, trust your instincts & contact NHS 111 or your GP. This bacteria is spread by close contact with an infected person.

It is important that everyone continues to wash their hands, catch coughs or sneezes in a tissue, and keep away from others when feeling unwell. For further background info: Group A Strep - What you need to know - UK Health Security Agency ( blog.gov.uk ).

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