Six children now dead from Strep A as number of infections skyrocket

A sixth child has died within days of being diagnosed with a potentially deadly infection which is sweeping across the UK. The death was announced by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) as it issued an update on Strep A and scarlet fever. Strep A is usually a harmless bacterial infection however it can cause other health conditions which are more serious.

One of these is scarlet fever which can kill in the most severe cases. According to the UKHSA latest data shows that scarlet fever cases were remaining higher than they would usually be at this time of the year. There were 851 cases reported in week 46 (week ending Nov 20) compared with an average of 186 for the preceding years.

However it said there was currently no evidence a new strain was circulating and it was more likely down to high amounts of bacteria and social mixing. It urged parents to look out for key symptoms including a sore throat, headache, and fever, along with a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel. On darker skin, the rash can be more difficult to detect visually but will have a sandpapery feel.

It advised parents to contact NHS 111 or their GP if they suspected their child has scarlet fever. It added: “Early treatment 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.”

Scarlet fever is caused by bacteria called group A streptococci. These bacteria also cause other respiratory and skin infections such as strep throat and impetigo. In a statement it said: “In very rare occasions, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause an illness called invasive Group A strep (iGAS).

While still uncommon, there has been an increase in invasive Group A strep cases this year, particularly in children under 10.” According to the UKHSA there were 2.3 cases per 100,000 children aged one to four compared to an average of 0.5 in the pre-pandemic seasons (2017 to 2019) and 1.1 cases per 100,000 children aged five to nine compared to the pre-pandemic average of 0.3 (2017 to 2019) at the same time of the year. It added: “So far this season there have been five recorded deaths within seven days of an iGAS diagnosis in children under 10 in England.

During the last high season for Group A Strep infection (2017 to 2018) there were 4 deaths in children under 10 in the equivalent period.” A further death in Wales now takes the total to six. Details of some of the children who have died have emerged including four-year-old Buckinghamshire schoolboy Muhammad Ibrahim Ali, who died at his home on November 14.

Other children who lose their lives within days of contracting the infection include a child in London. On Thursday Victoria Primary School in Penarth, Wales, confirmed the death of another child while a six-year-old pupil at Ashford Church of England Primary School in Surrey also died from Strep A at the beginning of last week.

Scarlet fever cases have risen

The UKHSA said investigations are also under way following reports of an increase in lower respiratory tract Group A strep infections in children over the past few weeks, which have caused severe illness. They said there was no current evidence that a new strain is circulating adding: “The increase is most likely related to high amounts of circulating bacteria and social mixing.

“There are lots of viruses that cause sore throats, colds and coughs circulating. These should resolve without medical intervention. However, children can on occasion develop a bacterial infection on top of a virus and that can make them more unwell.”

Issuing advice to parents it said: “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

It added: “Good hand and respiratory hygiene are important for stopping the spread of many bugs. By teaching your child how to wash their hands properly with soap for 20 seconds, using a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, and keeping away from others when feeling unwell, they will be able to reduce the risk of picking up or spreading infections.”

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).

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.”

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