A new interactive map which outlines suspected Strep A infections throughout the UK has showed more than a dozen cases of the virus throughout Nottinghamshire. All in all, 13 cases of the virus have been identified by GPs in the county as medics continue to monitor an out-of-season rise in Strep A.
Nottingham, Gedling and Newark and Sherwood are the areas with the highest number of suspected infections, with three each. Broxtowe and Rushcliffe remain the only districts in Nottinghamshire with no detected cases, with two potential cases spotted in Mansfield, and one each in Ashfield and Bassetlaw.
Earlier this month, on December 7, a case of Strep A was confirmed at a school in Nottinghamshire. A letter sent by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), seen by Nottinghamshire Live, was sent to parents and carers at East Bridgford St Peter's CofE Academy.
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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed there have been 94 deaths from iGAS (Invasive Group A Streptococcus) infections across England between September 12 and December 18, including 21 children under the age of 18. According to the latest lab-confirmed figures, there have been 960 cases of iGAS in England since September.
This is a rare, but severe and sometimes life-threatening infection caused when Strep A bacteria invade parts of the body it is not normally found such as the lungs or the bloodstream. Strep A can include illnesses such as scarlet fever, sore throats and impetigo.
In the past week alone the UKHSA received 25 iGAS notifications - the highest number received during a single week, including two of the suspected cases in Nottinghamshire. The UKHSA has also received notifications of 45 “unspecified” Streptococcal infections and one case of Streptococcal pharyngitis, or “Strep throat” - a bacterial infection that can be easily treated with antibiotics - in Nottinghamshire.
The UKHSA says the number of Strep A infections identified is unusually high for the time of year. In most years, the high point comes from February to April.
Over 52 weeks In 2017-18, the last time there were comparatively high figures, there were a total of 2,967 cases. The most recent figures showing cases since September include 214 children under the age of 10. That compares to 311 cases among children under the age of 10 across the full 2017-18 season.
Meanwhile, between September 12 and December 18 this year, there have been 27,486 notifications of scarlet fever, a manifestation of Strep A infection. That compares to 3,287 at the same point in 2017-18.
Dr Colin Brown, deputy director of the UKHSA, said: “Scarlet fever and ‘strep throat’ will make children feel unwell, but can be easily treated with antibiotics. Symptoms to look out for include fever, sore throat, swollen glands, difficulty swallowing, and headache.
"Scarlet fever causes a sandpapery rash on the body and a swollen tongue. NHS services are under huge pressure this winter, but please visit NHS.UK, contact 111 online or your GP surgery if your child has symptoms of scarlet fever or ‘strep throat’ so they can be assessed for treatment."
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