Six children have now died after contracting bacterial infection Strep A as cases in the UK rise.
Health experts have began investigating after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said there had been a rise in cases of rare invasive Group A strep this year, particularly in children under 10. Group A strep bacteria can cause many different infections, ranging from minor illnesses to deadly diseases.
They include the skin infection impetigo, scarlet fever and strep throat. While the vast majority of infections are relatively mild, sometimes the bacteria cause a life-threatening illness called invasive Group A Streptococcal disease.
According to UKHSA data, there were 2.3 cases of invasive disease per 100,000 children aged one to four this year in England, compared with an average of 0.5 in the pre-pandemic seasons (2017 to 2019).
There have also been 1.1 cases per 100,000 children aged five to nine compared with the pre-pandemic average of 0.3 (2017 to 2019).
When looking at the five deaths in England, the last time there was an intensive period of Strep A infection was in 2017/18, when there were four deaths in the equivalent time frame.
It comes as a family has paid tribute to their four-year-old son who died on November 14. Muhammad Ibrahim Ali passed away at his home on after suffering a cardiac arrest, said his heartbroken family.
He attended Oakridge School and Nursery in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, reports the Mirror. Muhammad's devastated mum, Shabana Kousar, told Bucks Free Press : "The loss is great and nothing will replace that.
"He was very helpful around the house and quite adventurous, he loved exploring and enjoyed the forest school, his best day was a Monday and said how Monday was the best day of the week. He also had a very close bond with his dad. He was his best friend and went everywhere with him. He just wanted to be with him."
A fundraiser has been set up in his memory, which has so far raised over £4,200. Oakridge School and Nursery's headteacher, Stuart Cook, also paid tribute to the "wonderful, kind, smiley and energetic boy".
He wrote on the JustGiving page : "We know that following the devastating news that one of our Reception children, Ibrahim, died earlier this week, many parents and members of the school community will want to contribute to the memory of Ibrahim.
"We want to create a lasting memorial in the school, so that there is always a place at Oakridge for Ibrahim - a place where he was so very happy. This will enable us to remember the wonderful, kind, smiley, energetic boy that Ibrahim was. Any money donated through ‘Just Giving’ will go towards his memorial and a charity of the family's choosing."
On Thursday (December 1), Victoria Primary School in Penarth, Wales, confirmed the death of another child who had contracted the infection, named as seven-year-old Hanna Reap by family friends. Meanwhile a six-year-old pupil in Year One at Ashford Church of England Primary School in Surrey also died from strep A at the beginning of last week, November 22.
Hanna Reap, aged 7, has also been tragically named as a victim of the infection after dying on November 25. A fundraiser set up in her memory on Thursday read: "I’m raising funds in memory of beautiful Hanna who died tragically on Friday 25/11/22. She died so suddenly due to contracting Strep A.
"She was the most beautiful, bubbly, funny, loveable person. Family are heartbroken. All funds to be donated to a charity of the family’s choice."
There is no indication that the deaths are in any way related.
Dr Colin Brown, deputy director of the UKHSA, said: “We are seeing a higher number of cases of Group A strep this year than usual.
“The bacteria usually causes a mild infection producing sore throats or scarlet fever that can be easily treated with antibiotics.
“In very rare circumstances, this bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause serious illness – called invasive Group A strep (iGAS).
“This is still uncommon however it is important that parents are on the lookout for symptoms and see a doctor as quickly as possible so that their child can be treated and we can stop the infection becoming serious.
“Make sure you talk to a health professional if your child is showing signs of deteriorating after a bout of scarlet fever, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection.”
Parents are being told to contact NHS 111 or their GP if their child is getting worse, is feeding or eating much less than normal, or has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration.
They should also seek help if their baby is under three months and has a temperature of 38C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39C or higher.
Other red flags are if the child is very tired or irritable.
Parents should call 999 or go to A&E if a child is having difficulty breathing (such as grunting noises or tummy sucking in under the ribs), pauses in breathing, blue colour to a child’s skin, tongue or lips, or if a child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake.
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