At least 48 children have died from Strep A in the UK as cases of deadly infection continue to rise
AT least 48 children have died from Strep A, the latest UK data shows.
Over the last eight months, a total of 426 people of all ages have lost their lives within seven days of an infection diagnosis.
Bacteria called group A Streptococcus (Group A Strep - or GAS) - found in the throat and skin - cause scarlet fever and strep throat.
They sometimes make a toxin which causes a rash — the “scarlet” of scarlet fever, experts at the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) state.
GPs reported "exceptionally high" levels of scarlet fever in the early phase of the 2022 to 2023 season, which began mid-September.
Cases then "rapidly declined" in the second half of December, but numbers remained above seasonal levels, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.
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They are now considered to be in the "normal" range for this point in the year - though they are still well above those reported five years ago.
In the 2017 to 2018 season, there were 354 deaths in total, including 27 deaths in children under 18.
Sadly, so far this season (September 12 to May 7), there have been 426 deaths across all age groups, including 48 children.
In the same period, there were 55,872 notifications of scarlet fever, whereas during the last comparable "high season", from September 2017 to September 2018, there were 30,768 across the year.
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And in terms of infections, there have been 3,287 confirmed iGAS (invasive Group A Strep) cases since September, compared to 2,898.
In kids, this is 761, versus 205 in the 2017 to 2018 season.
Infections remain most common in those over the age of 45, particularly those 75-plus.
In most cases, Strep A bacteria causes mild illness, but it can sometimes trigger invasive Group Strep A disease.
This happens when bacteria get into the bloodstream, or other areas they shouldn't.
This can then lead to serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis.
Dr Colin Brown, incident director at UKHSA, said: "While scarlet fever notifications are in line with what we typically see at this time of year, we are still seeing relatively high levels of invasive Group A Strep infections in the oldest and youngest age groups.
";It is important that we continue to help stop the spread of all germs in the community and to vulnerable groups."
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He suggested:
- Washing your hands regularly and thoroughly
- Catching cough and sneezes in tissues
- Keeping your home well ventilated
- Avoiding visiting vulnerable people in you feel unwell with any infection
- Staying away from school, nursery or work if you are unwell with a fever
- Contacting NHS 111 or your GP if you suspect you or your child are infected
What are the symptoms?
THERE are four key signs of invasive Group A Strep to watch out for, according to the NHS.
These are:
- A fever (meaning a high temperature above 38°C)
- Severe muscle aches
- Localised muscle tenderness
- Redness at the site of a wound
The invasive version of the disease happens when the bacteria break through the body's immune defences.
This can happen if you're already feeling unwell or have an immune system that’s weakened.
Two of the most severe examples of invasive disease are necrotising fasciitis - a very rare but life-threatening infection also called ‘flesh-eating disease’ - and toxic shock syndrome.
Who is at risk?
Some people are at higher risk of contracting the invasive form.
The NHS says those people include anyone who:
- is in close contact with someone who already has it
- is over the age of 65
- is diabetic
- has heart disease or cancer
- has recently had chickenpox
- has HIV
- uses some steroids or intravenous drugs
The time of year can also be a factor. Outbreaks can be rife in late winter and early spring, but the risk remains all year round.
Source: NHS