An East Sussex secondary school student died of probable strep A, according to officials.

According to a joint statement from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Brighton & Hove City Council, the kid attended Hove Park School in Hove.

Since September, 15 youngsters in the United Kingdom had died from invasive strep A infections as of Thursday.

The death of the student in Brighton suspected of having strep A raises the total to 16.

Although invasive cases of strep A are still uncommon, they are increasing in frequency.

Brighton and Hove public health officials said they were collaborating with the school to educate parents about the symptoms of strep A infections and what to do if their child develops them.

The child’s age and gender have not been published.

Dr. Rachael Hornigold, the consultant in health protection at UKHSA South East, stated, “We are deeply grieved to learn of the death of a young kid. Our thoughts are with the child’s family, friends, and the local community.”

Brighton & Hove City Council’s director of public health, Alistair Hill, stated, “We are collaborating with the UK Health Security Agency and Hove Park School following the death of a student who attended the school.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and the entire school community, who will all be profoundly impacted by the untimely loss of this little kid, and we offer our assistance to them during this difficult time.”

Typically, mild strep throat Symptoms of an infection include a sore throat and skin infections.

The insect can also cause scarlet fever, which is characterized by a sore throat, a rash that feels like sandpaper, a high temperature, and the so-called “strawberry tongue.”

It is treated with antibiotics, which may also lower the likelihood of problems and the bug’s spread.

The UKHSA reported on Thursday that thirteen children under the age of 15 have died in England since September.

At that time, two more child deaths had been reported in Belfast and Wales, bringing the total in the United Kingdom to fifteen.

Mr. Hill stated that catching strep A from another person was “very rare” and that the majority of people who come into contact with strep A infections “stay healthy and symptom-free; consequently, there is no reason to keep healthy youngsters home from school.”