Strep A symptoms: What is Strep A infection and why there’s an increase in cases as 6 children die

The UK Health Security Agency has warned parents around the UK to look out for signs of Strep A after six children died. The UKHSA said that in the last seven days, there have been five recorded deaths of an invasive Strep A diagnosis in children under 10 in England and one in Wales.

Since Coronavirus restrictions have eased, there are more opportunities for infections like this to spread. In recent weeks, cases of invasive Group A Strep have slowly been increasing with figures for the disease higher this year compared to the previous two.

Dr Colin Brown, Deputy Director, UKHSA, said: “We are seeing a higher number of cases of Group A strep this year than usual. The bacteria usually causes a mild infection producing sore throats or scarlet fever that can be easily treated with antibiotics.

“In very rare circumstances, this bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause serious illness – called invasive Group A strep (iGAS). This is still uncommon; however, it is important that parents are on the lookout for symptoms and see a doctor as quickly as possible so that their child can be treated and we can stop the infection becoming serious.

“Make sure you talk to a health professional if your child is showing signs of deteriorating after a bout of scarlet fever, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection.”

The government said that it is investigating reports of an increase in cases but added that there is no evidence to suggest that a new strain is circulating. The UKHSA said: “The increase is most likely related to high amounts of circulating bacteria and social mixing.

“There are lots of viruses that cause sore throats, colds and coughs circulating. These should resolve without medical intervention. However, children can on occasion develop a bacterial infection on top of a virus and that can make them more unwell.”

What is Strep A?