Parents in region told to be alert after deaths of nine children from Strep A infection
Parents and schools across the Black Country and Staffordshire have been urged to be alert following the deaths of nine children from infections of Strep A.
Health officials have been advising schools on how to combat infections, and what support is available in the event of an outbreak.
A pupil who attended a primary school in Belfast died on Monday after being diagnosed with a severe form of Strep A, her school has confirmed – bringing the UK-wide death toll to nine.
The figures for the disease are higher this year compared to the previous two.
Local health protection teams can give antibiotics to groups of children where there has been a Strep A outbreak, the deputy director of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said.
Strep A bacteria can cause many different infections, ranging from minor illnesses to serious and deadly diseases – the bacteria are commonly found in the throat and on the skin, and some people have no symptoms.
Infections caused by Strep A include the skin infection impetigo, scarlet fever and strep throat. Scarlet fever in particular has seen a recent surge in cases.
While the vast majority of infections are relatively mild, sometimes the bacteria cause life-threatening illness called invasive Group A Streptococcal disease.
Parents of pupils in Dudley and Wolverhampton have been sent messages with links to the Government guidance on what the latest advice is.
Councillor Ian Bevan, cabinet member for public health said: “We are in contact with schools on a daily basis, providing information and support to them and parents on a range of public health issues.
“Following the rise in Strep A infections nationally we have written to all schools advising them and parents of the signs to look out for and the treatment available.”
A spokesperson from Sandwell Council said: "We would encourage people in Sandwell to follow national advice on scarlet fever and group A strep.
"We have met with local school staff to remind them of the relevant guidance on infection control as well as how to report cases, and what support is available in an outbreak."
The latest government guidance says: "Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, but it is highly infectious.
"Therefore, look out for symptoms in your child, which include 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.
"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."
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 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.
There were 2.3 cases per 100,000 children aged 1 to 4 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.
Currently, there is no evidence that a new strain is circulating. 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.
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 three months and has a temperature of 38°C, or is older than three 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
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."
