Sixty people have now died after contracting Strep A in England this winter, health chiefs have confirmed. Of these 13 are children, according to new figures issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
However the total figure for the UK as a whole will be higher as the Agency only covers England. It is known a further two children have died - one in Wales and a second in Belfast. And the deaths, which happened between September 12 and December 4, come months ahead of the usual season for the infection which runs from February until April.
In a statement the UKHSA said the latest data continues to indicate that there is an out of season increase in scarlet fever and group A Strep infections. It said: "Cases usually show steepest rises in the new year, but have increased sharply in recent weeks.
