Parents are being urged to look out for symptoms of Strep A following a steep rise in cases. At least nine children have died with strep A infection since September, prompting the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to issue a rare alert on Friday evening.
The Government has confirmed there were 851 cases reported in the week to November 20 compared to an average of 186 for the preceding years. 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).
Read more: 'Red flag' Strep A symptoms explained by Good Morning Britain's Dr Hilary Jones
"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."
Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, but it is highly infectious. Therefore, parents are being asked to look out for symptoms in children which include a sore throat, headache, and fever, along with a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel.
A spokesperson for the Government added: "On darker skin, the rash can be more difficult to detect visually but will have a sandpapery feel. Contact NHS 111 or your GP if you suspect your child has scarlet fever, because early treatment of scarlet fever with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia or a bloodstream infection. If your child has scarlet fever, keep them at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others."
Main symptoms:
- sore throat
- headache
- fever
- pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel
As a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement. Contact NHS 111 or your GP if:
- your child is getting worse
- your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
- your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
- your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher
- your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
- your child is very tired or irritable
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
- there are pauses when your child breathes
- your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
- your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake
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