Liverpool's public health boss has issued key advice to parents after a rise in Strep A infections around the country.
The UK Health Security Agency has said cases of Group Strep A streptococcus remain higher than they would typically see at this time of year in the North West.
The bacteria usually causes a mild infection producing sore throats or scarlet fever that can easily be treated with antibiotics. But in rare cases it can cause serious illness - known as Invasive group A strep (iGAS). Nine children have been reported to have died amid the rise in infections.
