GPs have recorded the largest weekly rise so far this year for reports of Invasive Group A Streptococcus infections in England and Wales. The infection remains rare but medics continue to monitor an out of season rise, and the latest update from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) includes a list of all the local authorities to record a new case in the week ending December 18.
Invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) is a rare, but severe and sometimes life-threatening infection caused when Strep A bacteria invade parts of the body it is not normally found, such as the lungs or the bloodstream. Warning signs include fever and severe muscle aches.
Across South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Bristol a total of 11 cases this year have been recorded as suspected iGAS. One of those local cases was recorded this week in South Gloucestershire, and contributes to this week's national figure of 25 - the highest number in any given week so far this year.
