Strep A child deaths rise to 15 across the UK | UK News

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The number of children under 15 who have died from Strep A in the UK has risen to 15, the UK’s Health Security Agency said.

New data for England shows the number of deaths since September has risen to 13.

The other two fatalities were recorded in Wales and Northern Ireland.

Illnesses caused by Strep A bacteria include scarlet fever, sore throat, skin infection, and impetigo.

Although most infections are mild, the bacteria can progress to a life-threatening disease called invasive group A streptococcal disease.

Since September, the UK Health Service (UKHSA) said there have been 652 reports of the invasive form of the disease, which is higher than in the same period over the past five years.

In the current season of Strep A infection, there have been 85 cases in children between the ages of one and four years.

That compares to 194 injuries in that age group across the entire last peak season in 2017/18.

There were also 60 cases in children between the ages of 5 and 9 years. Since September, 60 deaths have been reported across all age groups in England.

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2:39 “Very disturbing”: Parents are suffering from a penicillin shortage

Read more: ‘Close school and keep it closed until Christmas is over’ Parents worried about rising cases Find out how many severe infections and cases of scarlet fever are in your area

The agency added that the increase in infections is believed to be due to large amounts of bacteria and increased social mixing.

The agency said there is no current evidence of a new strain spreading.

UKHSA Deputy Director Dr Colin Brown said: “There are a lot of winter bugs out there that can make your child feel unwell, and this is mostly nothing to worry about.”

“However, be sure to speak to a health professional if your child gets worse after a bout of scarlet fever, sore throat, or respiratory infection — look out for signs such as a fever that doesn’t go down, dehydration, or extreme tiredness and trouble breathing.”

While Health Minister Steve Barclay said there was no shortage of medicines, pharmacists complained about a lack of antibiotics, including the liquid version of penicillin, which is often given to children.

The National Pharmacy Association cited “points” in the liquid penicillin supply chain, while the Association of Multiple Independent Pharmacies said pharmacists were struggling to get everything they needed.

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