A child from a Welsh primary school has died after contracting the invasive Strep A infection. The death of the pupil, from Victoria Primary School in Penarth, has been confirmed by the school and Vale of Glamorgan Council.
In a joint statement the school and the council said: "Earlier this week it was confirmed that a pupil from Victoria Primary School had tragically passed away after contracting Strep A. Both the school and council would like to pass on their heartfelt condolences to the family at this incredibly difficult time.
"Support is being provided to staff and pupils by the council’s team of educational psychologists and information from Public Health Wales has been circulated to parents where appropriate. It is unlikely that other pupils will be affected by the illness and severe symptoms are extremely rare.
READ MORE: Girl, four, dies after being diagnosed with terminal cancer on her birthday
"Sensible precautions such as regular hand-washing and not attending school when ill can reduce the risk of infection. If someone who has been in contact with an individual with Strep A develops any of the following symptoms: high fever, severe muscle aches, pain in one area of the body, redness at the site of a wound, vomiting or diarrhoea, a sore throat or tonsillitis, a mild skin infection such as impetigo or a rash, they should contact their GP immediately."
The news of the death follows a similar incident in which a six-year-old child in Year One at a school in Surrey died after a Strep A outbreak earlier this week. There is no suggestion that the incidents are in any way connected nor is it suggested that there is any outbreak at Victoria Primary School.
Public Health Wales is working with Victoria Primary School to raise awareness of invasive Group A Streptococcal (iGAs) disease. Dr Ardiana Gjini, consultant in communicable disease control for Public Health Wales, said: "Although it is unlikely that their child will be affected by iGAS infection relevant individuals are being advised that they should familiarise themselves with the symptoms and what to do if these symptoms occur. Contracting iGAS disease from a contact is very rare. Most people who come into contact with Group A Streptococcal infection remain well and symptom-free or develop mild throat or skin infections."
Public Health Wales indicated that a group of individuals are being advised to contact their GP or get medical advice without delay if they think their child has any of the signs and symptoms of iGAS disease and has reminded parents to consider nasal flu vaccine for their children where appropriate. Dr Gjini added: "Public Health Wales is working with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and the Vale of Glamorgan Council following the death of a pupil at Victoria Primary School, Penarth. We offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and all those affected. Public Health Wales cannot comment on individual cases and we ask that the privacy of the family is respected."
The NHS states that Group A Streptococcus is the name given to a type of bacteria sometimes found in the throat or on the skin. Guidance for patients adds: "Group A Streptococcus usually causes mild illness like sore throats and skin infections. Rarely these bacteria can cause severe and life-threatening illness called invasive Group A streptococcal disease.
"Many people carry Group A Strep harmlessly and do not develop illness. It can be passed from person to person by close contact such as kissing or skin contact. Most people who come into contact with Group A Strep remain well and symptom-free [but] some get mild throat or skin infections. Contracting invasive disease from a relative or household member is very rare. You can reduce the risk of picking up Group A Strep by always washing your hands thoroughly."
In respect of symptoms the NHS information adds: "Group A Strep can cause throat infection, scarlet fever, or skin infections such as cellulitis or impetigo. These infections are usually treated with antibiotics. Very rarely it can cause severe illness when the bacteria get into parts of the body that are usually free from bacteria such as the lungs, blood, or muscles. This is called invasive Group A streptococcal disease. Invasive disease happens when the bacteria get past your body’s immune defences. This can happen when you are already ill or are on treatments, such as some cancer treatments, that affect your immune system. Two of the most severe types of invasive disease are necrotising fasciitis and toxic shock syndrome."
READ NEXT:
-
Winter Wonderland removes attraction as three 'thrown' from ride causing 'serious' injuries
-
Police issue update on investigation into two babies found dead in Bridgend
-
Singer claims police got into his car in Cardiff and punched him as he 'feared for his life'
-
All you need to know about power blackouts - how likely are they and how they could affect you
