Interactive maps show the number of Invasive Group A strep (iGAS) cases discovered across Greater Manchester.
Doctors in the region have identified 17 potential cases of invasive group A streptococcal disease since the start of this year. According to the latest lab-confirmed figures, there have been 960 cases of iGAS in England since September.
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.
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. 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. Warning signs include fever and severe muscle aches.
Invasive group A strep (iGAS) cases in Greater Manchester
When GPs diagnose a suspected case of a Strep A infection they are required to notify the UKHSA and infections are then logged in weekly NOIDS (Notification of Infectious Diseases) reports. Analysis of these reports - which provide an early warning of potential outbreaks of serious diseases - shows that doctors in Greater Manchester have identified 17 potential cases of invasive group A streptococcal disease since the start of this year.
Four suspected cases were identified in Manchester; four in Tameside; four in Oldham; two in Bolton; and one each in Rochdale, Stockport and Wigan. 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 Greater Manchester.
These are separate from lab-confirmed reports which are only available at a national level and are used to inform overall totals.
The UKHSA has also received notifications of 10 “unspecified” Streptococcal infections and one case of Streptococcal pharyngitis, or “Strep throat” - a bacterial infection that can be easily treated with antibiotics - in Greater Manchester.
See an interactive map of the Strep A cases below:
Scarlet fever and ‘strep throat’ will make children feel unwell, but can be easily treated with antibiotics.
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.
“At this time of year, there are lots of winter illnesses circulating that can make children unwell. Most of these can be managed at home and NHS.UK has information to help parents look after children with mild illness.
“It is very rare that a child will go on to become more seriously ill, but as parents you know better than anyone else what your child is usually like, so you'll know when they are not responding as they would normally. Make sure you speak to a healthcare 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, intense muscle pains, difficulty breathing or breathing very fast.”
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