Six children have died in the UK from Strep A infections. The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has called on parents to be vigilant, after five deaths were recorded in children under 10 years within seven days of being diagnosed with invasive group A strep infection this season in England.

A sixth death has been recorded in Wales.

Health authorities are also investigating after reports of serious respiratory infections caused by the bacteria.

“Uncommon” infections

Streptococci A "usually cause a mild infection, sore throat or scarlet fever, which can be easily treated with antibiotics," said Dr. Colin Brown, deputy director of the health security agency, in a statement.

“In rare circumstances, this bacterium can enter the bloodstream and cause serious illnesses, called invasive streptococcal A infections”, which remain “uncommon”, he added, urging parents to watch for symptoms and consult as soon as possible, so that their children can be treated quickly, before the infection becomes serious.

Health authorities are observing an increase in this type of invasive infection compared to the seasons that preceded the Covid-19 pandemic.

Streptococci A can cause either mild or fatal infections, especially when they reach the bloodstream, diseases such as tonsillitis, impetigo (skin infection) and scarlet fever.

A strong growth of scarlet fever

"There is no evidence that a new strain is in circulation", explains the British agency, however, estimating that the probable cause of the increase in the number of infections lies in the increase in bacterial circulation and contacts.



During the last season of Strep A infections (2017-2018), four deaths of children under 10 were recorded in England.

As for scarlet fever, a generally harmless but highly contagious disease, it recorded strong growth, with 851 cases reported the week of November 14 to 20, compared to an average of 186 at the same time in previous years.

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