The UKHSA has issued advice for concerned parents to explain more about Group A Strep after the common bacteria has been linked to the deaths of several children in recent weeks.
Eight children in the UK have now died since September after developing serious illnesses from the bacteria, which typically cause mild infections that can be cured with antibiotics. Investigations are underway by the UKHSA following reports of an increase in the number of severe diseases in children in recent weeks caused by an invasive form of Group A Strep.
The Government has stressed that there is currently no evidence that a new strain is circulating, but nonetheless have urged parents to be "on the lookout" for symptoms in their children. According to advice issued by the UKHSA, here's what you need to know about the range of infections caused by Strep A, how the bacteria spread, and how they can turn into a life-threatening illness.
READ MORE: What is Strep A and what should you do if you think your child has it
Which infections does Strep A bacteria cause?
Strep A is responsible for a range of common infections that are rarely serious and can be treated with antibiotics. These include the likes of impetigo, tonsillitis and pharyngitis.
The bacteria can also cause the infection scarlet fever, cases of which have seen a sharp rise in recent weeks with 851 cases reported in the week November 14 to 20 compared to an average of 186 for the same timeframe in previous years.
The first signs of scarlet fever can be flu-like symptoms, including a high temperature, a sore throat and swollen neck glands. A rash appears 12-48 hours later that looks like raised bumps starting on the chest and tummy and feels like sandpaper to touch.
Infections caused by Group A Strep in general can cause various symptoms such as a sore throat, fever, chills and muscle aches. Parents are advised to contact NHS 111 or their GP if their child's illness seems to be getting worse, and to "trust their own judgement" if they seem very unwell.
How does Group A Strep spread?
Group A Strep bacteria is spread via close contact with an infected person. It can be passed on through coughs and sneezes, as the bacteria commonly resides in the nose and throat, or from a wound.
Some people can have Strep A bacteria in their body without showing any symptoms of an infection, so they may not know they have anything to pass on - but the risk of spread is far greater from a person who is feeling unwell. If a patient is put on antibiotics for a mild Strep A infection such as those listed above, they stop being contagious around 24 hours after starting the medication.
How does Strep A become invasive?
In rare cases, Group A Strep can cause serious illnesses including necrotising pneumonia, necrotising fasciitis and Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome. These life-threatening infections can occur when Strep A bacteria makes its way into the bloodstream or lungs, known as Invasive Group A Strep (iGAS).
This can happen when an infected person has places in the body where the bacteria can get past the body's natural defences, such open wounds or sores, or breaches in their respiratory tract after a viral illness. Certain health conditions that compromise the immune system such as cancer, diabetes or kidney disease also increase the risk of Invasive Group A Strep, as people with these conditions are more vulnerable to infection.
How can you reduce the risk of Strep A spreading?
As with most bugs, good hygiene is the best way to stop the bacteria from spreading from person to person. Teaching children to wash their hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, using a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, and keeping away from others where possible when they don't feel well will help reduce the risk of picking up or passing on infections.
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