Secondary school pupil becomes 16th child to die from…

Secondary school pupil becomes 16th child to die from Strep A infection

A secondary school pupil has died after contracting an invasive form of Strep A infection, the UK Health Security Agency has said.

The child, whose age or gender have not been confirmed, had attended Hove Park School in Sussex. They are now the 16th child to die from the bacteria infection in recent months.

It comes as cases of Scarlett Fever - a manifestation of Step A - continue to rise. The latest figures released by the (UKHSA) show 1,131 people in England and Wales have been infected with scarlet fever in the last six weeks.

Specialists from the UKHSA are said to be working with Brighton and Hove City Council to support the school following the death, the PA news agency reports.

Dr Rachael Hornigold, consultant in health protection at UKHSA South East, said: "We are extremely saddened to hear about the death of a young child and our thoughts are with their family, friends and the local community.

"Infection with Group A Streptococcus bacterium usually causes a sore throat, scarlet fever or skin rash, and is passed by physical contact or through droplets from sneezing or coughing.

"In very rare cases, the infection can become invasive and enter parts of the body where bacteria aren’t normally found, which can be serious. We will implement public health actions, including advice to the city council and school community."

Efforts have been made to raise awareness among parents and carers about the signs and symptoms of Group A Streptococcal infections and what to do if a child develops these, the council said.

Alistair Hill, director of public health at Brighton and Hove City Council, said: "We are working with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Hove Park School following the death of a pupil who attended the school.

"We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and the whole school community who will all be deeply affected by the very tragic loss of this young child, and we are providing our support to them at this incredibly sad time.

"While we cannot comment on individual cases, we ask that the privacy of the family is respected.

"As a precaution, we have also been working closely with the school to raise awareness amongst parents and carers of the signs and symptoms of Group A Streptococcal infections, and what to do if a child develops these, including invasive Group A Streptococcal disease (iGAS)."