Four more children die from Strep A as the death toll rises to 25

At least 25 children have now died from Strep A in England, new figures show.

The bacteria can cause many different infections, ranging from mild illnesses to fatal illnesses.

Diseases caused by Strep A include skin infection impetigo, scarlet fever and strep throat.

dr Obaghe Edeghere, UKHSA’s Incident Director, said: “We continue to see increases in scarlet fever and strep throat and this is understandably worrying for parents.

“However, I would like to stress that the condition is easily treated with antibiotics and it is very rare for a child to become more seriously ill.”

According to the UK Health Security Agency, there have been 151 cases of Strep A in children aged one to four so far this season.

The total compares to 194 cases in the same age group — across the full year of the last comparable peak season — in 2017-2018.

Meanwhile, Public Health Scotland announced yesterday that two children under the age of 10 have died of Strep A infection in Scotland since October 3.

The agency said it was aware of seven deaths from group A invasive streptococcal infection (iGAS) between Oct. 3 and Dec. 25.

Two of the deaths involved children under the age of 10.

dr Edeghere added: “There are many diseases circulating in winter that can make children unwell, so it is important to avoid contact with other people when you are unwell, to wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, and to catch coughs and sneezes Tissue.

“I would also urge everyone who is entitled to free winter vaccinations to take advantage of them.

“Most winter illnesses can be treated at home and NHS.UK has information to help parents care for children with mild illness.

“However, please make sure you speak to a doctor if you think your child is getting worse, e.g. For example, if they are feeding or eating less than normal, are dehydrated, have a high temperature that won’t go down, are very hot and sweaty, or appear more tired or irritable than normal.’

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