Strep A, or group A streptococcus, can cause scarlet fever, throat infections, and, in extremely rare instances, invasive illness.
This season, the UK Health Security Agency has recorded five deaths within seven days of an invasive Strep A diagnosis in children under the age of 10 in England.
A child under the age of 10 who contracted the virus has also died in Wales.
Group A strep bacteria can cause a variety of infections, from minor ailments to fatal ones, but significant complications and deaths are uncommon.
According to UKHSA data, there were 2,3 cases of invasive disease per 100,000 children aged one to four in England this year, compared to an average of 0.5 cases per 100,000 children during pre-pandemic seasons (2017 to 2019).
Additionally, there have been 1.1 cases per 100,000 children aged five to nine, compared to an average of 0.3 before the outbreak (2017 to 2019).
Following reports of a spike in Group A Strep infections in children’s lower respiratory tracts in recent weeks, which have resulted in serious sickness, the UKHSA has initiated an investigation.
There is no evidence that a new strain of Strep A is circulating, and the increase is most likely due to high levels of circulating bacteria and social mixing, according to the report.
‘Wonderful, kind, smiley’
The death of Muhammad Ibrahim Ali, aged four, after his school in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, was announced on 17 November.
It has been established by health experts that he has invasive Group A streptococcus (iGas).
On a JustGiving page created in his memory, he was characterized as “lovely, nice, smiling, and lively.”
Dr. Jill Morris, the consultant for health protection at the UK Health Security Agency, stated: “This is a heartbreaking situation, and our thoughts are with the individual’s family and friends at this time.
“We have supplied the school and nursery with recommendations to help prevent such cases, and we will continue to monitor the issue.”
Where were the other deaths documented?
The UKHSA confirmed earlier today that the death of a youngster in Ealing, west London, was due to iGAS.
Dr. Yimmy Chow, the consultant for health protection at the UKHSA, stated: “Our sympathies are with the family, friends, and school community of the kid who passed away at St. John’s Primary School.
Working with the public health team of Ealing Council, we have issued preventive advice to the school community to assist avoid any cases, and we will continue to closely monitor the situation.
A student at a primary school in the vicinity of Cardiff has also died from the infection, along with a six-year-old kid who died during an outbreak at Ashford Church of England School in Surrey.
Cases of scarlet fever, which is caused by Strep A, continue to be higher than usual for this time of year, according to the latest statistics from the UKHSA.
In the most recent available week, 851 cases were reported, compared to an average of 186 in the preceding years.
How does Strep A spread and what are its symptoms?
Dr. Chow said: “Group A streptococcal infections typically result in a mild sickness, and parents and staff have been informed about the symptoms.
“These conditions, which include a sore throat, fever, and mild skin infections, are treatable with a full course of antibiotics prescribed by a physician.
Rarely, it can be a severe sickness, and anyone with high fever, intense muscle aches, localized pain, and unexplained vomiting or diarrhea should phone NHS 111 and get medical care immediately.
Strep A can be transmitted through coughing, sneezing, and direct skin-to-skin contact. Those over the age of 65, those with HIV, those who use steroids or other medicines, and those with diabetes, heart disease, or cancer are at the greatest risk of contracting the virus.
Simply, we must act immediately.
However, a distinguishing characteristic is the presence of a “whitish covering on the tongue,” sometimes known as “strawberry tongue.”
Due to how the infection spreads, it is often more prevalent in schools and nursing homes, and it is “vital” that those who get it receive medicines “as soon as possible” to prevent problems.
“Parents should not be excessively concerned… I wouldn’t want to overreact to the outbreaks we’re experiencing; we simply need to act swiftly “She stated,
The UKHSA urges persons who contract the sickness to refrain from attending daycare, school, or job for at least twenty-four hours after beginning antibiotic treatment.
