Group A streptococcus (or Strep A) is capable of causing scarlet fever, throat infections, and, in extremely rare situations, invasive illness.
A six-year-old student has died and another is hospitalized as a result of an outbreak of invasive germs at a Surrey elementary school.
The Ashford Church of England School first-grader contracted invasive Group A streptococcal (iGAS), according to an email sent to parents.
The fatality was confirmed by the UK Health Security Agency South East’s (UKHSA) health protection consultant, Dr. Claire Winslade.
She stated, “We are deeply grieved to learn of the death of a student at Ashford Church of England School, and our sympathies are with their family, friends, and the school community.”
“As a precaution, we have prescribed antibiotics to students and faculty in the same grade as the affected individuals.
“We have advised the school on how to prevent such incidents and will continue to monitor the situation.”
The school’s communication to parents, published by the PA news agency, stated: “I hate to inform you that a first-grade student has tragically passed away after contracting invasive Group A streptococcal disease (IGAS).
“We are also aware that a student in the second grade has contracted the same disease but is showing signs of improvement.”
Ruth Hutchinson, director of public health for Surrey County Council, was cited as stating, “We are profoundly grieved by the death of a student at Ashford Church of England School and extend our condolences to their family, friends, and the entire school community.
How lethal is Strep A?
Group A streptococcus (or Strep A) is capable of causing scarlet fever, throat infections, and, in extremely rare situations, invasive illness.
It can occur when germs enter areas of the body where they are not normally present, such as the blood, muscle, or lungs.
This occurs when bacteria penetrate a person’s defenses, such as through an open wound or when the immune system is compromised.
Most individuals exposed to the bacterium stay healthy and symptom-free.
