Greater Manchester health leaders are 'waiting to make sure we’ve got effective supplies and the availability of antibiotics' as Strep A illnesses climb in the region. Scarlet fever, caused by the group Strep A bacteria, is expected to 'peak shortly' in Greater Manchester, according to a public health director.
Strep A bacteria can cause many different infections, ranging from minor illnesses to serious and deadly diseases. The bacteria are commonly found in the throat and on the skin, and some people have no symptoms - but the most severe form has seen multiple children die across the UK from complications of Strep A.
Infections caused by the bacteria include the skin infection impetigo, scarlet fever and strep throat. Scarlet fever in particular has seen a recent surge in cases. While the vast majority of infections are relatively mild and can be treated with antibiotics, sometimes the bacteria cause a life-threatening illness called invasive Group A Streptococcal disease.
