The South West, along with the rest of the UK, has been experiencing increased rates of Strep A infections, otherwise known as Group A Streptococcus (GAS), over recent days and weeks.
Two weeks ago is was reported that cases of Strep A and scarlet fever - a bacterial condition caused by Strep A bacteria - were estimated to be more than four times higher this year compared to averages from previous years.
The south west as a region currently sits on the national average of Strep A complication rates. One positive sign is that the latest figures produced by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have placed the region nearer to the bottom of the other English regions in terms of number of cases by 100,000 people of scarlet fever.
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From week 37 to week 48 of the 2022 to 2023 season, the south west is recorded to have a lower rates of scarlet fever, sitting at 8 cases per 100,000 people, ranking only above London which currently has 6.8. The highest is the north west region, which has 18 cases per 100,000 people - more than double in the south west.
Also provided by the UKHSA are the number of iGAS (invasive Group A Streptococcus) infections and the number of cases per 100,000 people (rate).
iGAS infections are a more serious form of GAS infections i.e. possible conditions brought on by the presence of Group A Streptococcus. The 'i' stands for 'invasive', meaning they are known fully as 'invasive group A Streptococcus' (iGAS) infections.
In terms of the rate of iGAS infections - the South West region has a rate of 1.2 cases of iGAS infections per 100,00 people. This falls exactly on the national average.
| Region | Number of cases of scarlet fever | Rate of scarlet fever | Number of cases of iGAS | Rate of iGAS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East of England | 708 | 10.6 | 59 | 0.9 |
| East Midlands | 827 | 17.0 | 49 | 1.0 |
| London | 611 | 6.8 | 85 | 0.9 |
| North East | 373 | 13.9 | 31 | 1.2 |
| North West | 1,326 | 18.0 | 86 | 1.2 |
| South East | 1,016 | 11.4 | 121 | 1.4 |
| South West | 440 | 8.0 | 65 | 1.2 |
| West Midlands | 555 | 9.3 | 64 | 1.1 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 745 | 13.5 | 99 | 1.8 |
| England | 6,601 | 11.7 | 659 | 1.2 |
Data: UKHSA
According to the UKHSA: "While the rate of iGAS infection is elevated in all age groups, incidence in children aged under 10 has been particularly high compared to levels reported in the last peak season preceding the Covid 19 pandemic – and substantially higher than the past two years.
"There continues to be a steep increase in scarlet fever notification and GP consultations early in the 2022 to 2023 season, with higher numbers than would be expected at this time of the year.
Preventing GAS infection
GAS are spread by close contact between individuals, through respiratory droplets (moisture in your breath) and direct skin contact.
To help reduce the risk of picking up or spreading infections:
Do
- wash your hands properly with soap for 20 seconds
- use a disposable tissue to catch coughs and sneezes
- keep away from others if you feel unwell
Don't
- do not share contaminated food
- do not share utensils, cups and glasses
- do not share baths, bed linen or towels
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