A case of Strep A has been confirmed at a school in Nottinghamshire, parents have been told. A letter sent by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), seen by Nottinghamshire Live, was sent to parents and carers at East Bridgford St Peter's CofE Academy.
The agency has confirmed a single case and states the school is following UK health guidance. Strep A can include illnesses such as scarlet fever, sore throats and impetigo.
The letter adds: "Although scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, it should be treated with antibiotics to minimise the risk of complications and reduce the spread to others."
Nottinghamshire's NHS board has told parents to trust their instincts on contacting a doctor if they think their child has Strep A. Nine children across the UK are now known to have died after contracting invasive Strep A, known as iGAS, and cases are rising. None of the nine cases are thought to be linked to Nottinghamshire.
Read more: Mum's Strep A warning signs after doctor diagnoses symptoms as tonsillitis
The Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) has now issued advice to parents on the symptoms to look out for in their children and on when they should call the NHS.
Group A streptococcus (GAS) is carried by many people in their throats and on their skin but the invasive group causes infections by getting into parts of the body such as the lungs. The UK Health Security Agency says an GAS infection becoming fatal is "rare" but cases continue to rise across the country. Nottinghamshire's NHS team is now warning parents they should be vigilant.
The Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB said: "Parents know when their child is not themselves, so if you think your child is poorly and getting worse, trust your instincts and contact NHS 111 or your GP. Cases of invasive Group A Strep are rare, but parents should be aware of what to look out for. If you think your child is seriously unwell, call 999 or go to A&E."
The agency also says parents should be aware of sepsis-like symptoms such as blotchy skin, a rash that doesn't fade when you roll a glass over it and a high-pitched cry. The UKSA adds: "Currently, there is no evidence that a new strain is circulating. The increase is most likely related to high amounts of circulating bacteria.
"It isn't possible to say for certain what is causing higher than usual rates of these infections. There is likely a combination of factors, including increased social mixing compared to the previous years as well as increases in other respiratory viruses."
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