An outbreak of Strep A and scarlet fever is causing concern following the death of a five-year-old girl in Belfast.
Health officials have issued a warning for parents to be vigilant regarding the recent outbreak of the infection that has caused the deaths of nine children in the UK over the past month.
There has been a huge increase in the numbers of people being diagnosed with Scarlet Fever and Strep A with hundreds more cases reported this year than in previous ones.
Read more: Strep A: Five-year-old schoolgirl dies from reported case in Belfast
The UK Health Security Agency says that Scarlet Fever is usually a mild illness but is highly infectious.
It is asking parents to look out for symptoms in their child which include a sore throat, headache, and fever, along with a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel.
If a parent suspects their child may have an infection they are being told to ring a GP because early treatment with antibiotics is vital to reduce the risks of further complications such as phenumonia and or a bloodstream infection.
Scarlet fever is caused by bacteria called group A streptococci, which can also cause other respiratory and skin infections.
In rare occassions when the virus does enter the bloodstream it can cause an illness called invasive Group A strep. This has caused the deaths of a number of children this year in the UK, including a five-year-old schoolgirl from Belfast.
The UKHSA said: "Investigations are also underway following reports of an increase in lower respiratory tract Group A strep infections in children over the past few weeks, which have caused severe illness.
"Currently, there is no evidence that a new strain is circulating. The increase is most likely related to high amounts of circulating bacteria and social mixing."
It has said that a parent should contact a GP if;
- your child is getting worse
- your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
- your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
- your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher
- your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
- your child is very tired or irritable
You should contact 999 or go to A&E if;
- your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
- there are pauses when your child breathes
- your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
- your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake
Dr Colin Brown, Deputy Director, UKHSA, said: "We are seeing a higher number of cases of Group A strep this year than usual. The bacteria usually causes a mild infection producing sore throats or scarlet fever that can be easily treated with antibiotics.
"In very rare circumstances, this bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause serious illness – called invasive Group A strep (iGAS).
"This is still uncommon; however, it is important that parents are on the lookout for symptoms and see a doctor as quickly as possible so that their child can be treated and we can stop the infection becoming serious. Make sure you talk to a health professional if your child is showing signs of deteriorating after a bout of scarlet fever, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection."
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