UK: Government tries to stem the spread of strep A

Visualization of a streptococcus bacterium under a microscope.

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1 min

British health authorities are worried about a new epidemic, not a new Covid wave, but Streptococcus A infections. Eight children have died since the start of the school year, the oldest was 12 years old.

The government is emphasizing awareness to stem the spread.

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With our correspondent in London,

The authorities are trying to reassure: streptococcus A is a common bacterium that only causes serious infections in very rare cases.

But they recall the symptoms that should alert: flu syndrome, very sore throat, swollen glands, sometimes purulent rash.

Children must then be immediately taken care of and undergo antibiotic treatment.

The authorities reassure

Every year, cases of infections are recorded, usually in the spring;

but the season is coming nearly three months early this year, and at rates five times higher than pre-pandemic levels.

The successive confinements since 2020 have led to a weakening of the immune system of the most vulnerable, in particular children.

For the moment, the health authorities are reassuring about the state of antibiotic stocks: the United Kingdom is not on alert, even if pharmacists are invited to stock up.

They do not recommend isolation of classes with a case of strep A infection.

The Secretaries of State for Health and Education are discussing this Tuesday, December 6 the possibility of placing students on antibiotics as a preventive measure.

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