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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics

Will preventive antibiotics stop deadly strep A among schoolchildren?

Invasive Group A strep (iGAS) can lead to severe, potentially lethal illnesses, but penicillin is highly effective in combating the infection.
Invasive Group A strep (iGAS) can lead to severe, potentially lethal illnesses, but penicillin is highly effective in combating the infection. Photograph: BSIP/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

With at least nine children confirmed dead from severe strep A infections in England, the government has raised the strategy of preventive antibiotics, where penicillin is given to close contacts to prevent them from falling ill. But what is the plan, and what difference will it make?

Why is the government considering preventive antibiotics?

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