A third child has died after contracting strep A as the bacterial infection continues to sweep primary schools across the UK.
The latest death involved a child who attended St John's School, a primary with nursery attached in Ealing, West London and was confirmed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
A number of pupils from the nearby North Ealing Primary School are currently off sick with scarlet fever, which is caused by Group A streptococcal (iGAS), also known as invasive strep A.
A child from that school is also in hospital with an unconfirmed illness, reports MyLondon.
The UKHSA does not formally consider the case to be an outbreak, as it is under control and the incidents reported in the two schools are not related.
The tragic news comes after a six-year-old pupil at Ashford Church of England Primary School in Surrey died from strep A at the beginning of last week. A second student was also hospitalised with the bacterial infection.
Yesterday, Victoria Primary School in Penarth, Wales, also confirmed the death of a second child who had contracted the infection, named as Hanna by family friends.
There is no indication that the three deaths are in any way related.
Dr Yimmy Chow, health protection consultant at UKHSA London, said: “We are extremely saddened to hear about the death of a child at St John’s Primary School, and our thoughts are with their family, friends and the school community.
“Working with Ealing Council public health team, we have provided precautionary advice to the school community to help prevent further cases and we continue to monitor the situation closely.
"Group A streptococcal infections usually result in mild illness, and information has been shared with parents and staff about the signs and symptoms.
"These include a sore throat, fever and minor skin infections, and can be treated with a full course of antibiotics from the GP.
"In rare incidences, it can be a severe illness and anyone with high fever, severe muscle aches, pain in one area of the body and unexplained vomiting or diarrhoea should call NHS 111 and seek medical help immediately.”
St John's School and North Ealing Primary School declined to comment on the cases.
Group A Streptococcus is the name given to a type of bacteria sometimes found in the throat or on the skin.
It usually causes mild illness like sore throats and skin infections. Rarely these bacteria can cause a severe and life-threatening illness called invasive Group A Streptococcal disease.
The infection can be passed from person to person by close contact, such as kissing or skin contact.
Most people who come into contact with Group A Strep remain well and symptom-free, while some get mild throat or skin infections.
Contracting an invasive disease from a relative or household member is very rare. You can reduce the risk of picking up Group A Strep by always washing your hands thoroughly.
Pregnant women or those having gynaecology treatments are advised to wash their hands before and after going to the toilet.
It is also important to dispose of tissues after use and to wash your hands when you have a cough or cold.
