Parents are being urged to look out for a number of symptoms in their children after a huge rise in the number of reported Strep A cases.
Six children in England and Wales have died from the infection in recent months and in the week ending November 20, there were 851 cases reported, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Those figures are compared to an average of 186 in preceding years - an increase of 357.5pc.
Muhammad Ibrahim Ali died at his home in High Wycombe on November 14 after experiencing a cardiac arrest, his heartbroken mother said. Last week a six-year-old died following an outbreak of the same infection at a school in Surrey. Hanna Roap, 7, from Victoria primary school in Penarth, Wales also died after becoming ill.
READ MORE : School's touching tribute to 'constantly smiling' boy, 4, who died of Strep A
The UKHSA has now issued a rare alert warning parents of the signs to look for. Anyone who believes their child is suffering with the illness is advised to contact NHS 111 or their GP immediately.
The symptoms include a sore throat, headache, and fever, along with a 'fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel'. On darker skin, the rash can be more difficult to detect visually but will have a sandpapery feel.
Dr Colin Brown, deputy director of 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."
Currently, there is no evidence that a new strain is circulating and the increase is most likely related to high amounts of circulating bacteria and social mixing, the UKHSA claimed.
A devastated mum whose daughter "doesn't even look like herself anymore" due to Strep A has urged parents to be vigilant for signs of the deadly disease. Laura Rooney said she first noticed five-year-old Farrah's symptoms back in September, but medics did not raise the possibility of Strep A.
Now she hopes her family's struggle can help warn others. Laura told Belfast Live : "She was having fever-like symptoms, persistent coughs and a sore throat.
"She's just been so consistently unwell from it, we are on our fifth antibiotic from September and she's on steroids now as well. She has missed out on so much with school and the nursery and having to stay indoors, it has affected every part of our lives. My child has never been as consistently sick and she doesn't even look like herself now, that's how much it has affected her."
UKHSA said that if you are a parent, you should also contact NHS 111 or your 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
Call 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
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