After a case of Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) was confirmed at a primary school in South Gloucestershire on Wednesday (December 7), other cases in local schools have now been reported. Filton Hill Primary School and Begbrook Primary Academy, along with Bailey's Court Primary School, have now confirmed cases of Strep A to Bristol Live.
Strep A is a common type of bacteria that doesn’t always cause illness but can lead to skin infections, scarlet fever, and strep throat. While these infections are typically mild, rarely the condition can become more serious. Nationally case numbers of Strep A and scarlet fever, which is also caused by the same bacteria, are around four times higher this year compared to averages in previous years, according to The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and four adults in the South West have now died with the infection.
Begbrook Primary Academy told Bristol Live it has recently received confirmation of three positive Strep A cases involving pupils. It says that the academy is “following the national guidance and the advice from the local Health Protection Team.”
