Two children in Scotland have died after catching the Strep A infection. Both aged under 10, their deaths bring the total of people who have died from the infection in Scotland since October to seven.
Reports suggest that until now all other deaths were believed to be people aged over 50.
It's the first time deaths in children has been reported in Scotland as more than a dozen children have already lost their lives to the disease across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
READ MORE: Tributes pour in for Glasgow dad who died on Christmas Eve
A Public Health Scotland statement said: "Between October 3 and December 25, 13 out of 14 NHS health boards have reported iGAS cases between 3 October and 25 December 2022.
"Six of these NHS boards reported five or less cases. PHS is aware of seven deaths amongst iGAS cases that appear to meet the case definition between 3 October and 25 December 2022, two of whom were in children under 10 years of age.
"This compares with between zero and seven deaths reported during the same time period of previous years."
READ NEXT:
Hundreds of households left without water on Christmas Day after supply issue
Man rushed to hospital after being found seriously injured at Rutherglen house
'Armed' men attack staff in Paisley shop in Boxing Day robbery
Glasgow mum gives birth to first Christmas baby of the year
Glasgow's long-serving cleansing workers retire after 84 years of service
