Why is Strep A increasing? The number of cases in your area where infection goes up by 30 percent

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Parents have been warned to look out for symptoms after an increase in infection caused by Strep A.

At least 15 children have died from the invading bacteria in recent weeks, while cases of scarlet fever, caused by Strep A infection, have risen.

The concern has been raised because cases are higher than normal for this time of year. The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), released on Thursday 8 December, shows that the increase in cases has accelerated in the past two weeks.

The infection has been found across the country, with significant concentrations of Strep A in the south-east of England, along with the north-east and northwest.

Experts from the UKHSA said they are exploring whether the rise in cases is due to immunodeficiency due to the Covid lockdown.

Online pharmacists have complained of difficulties obtaining antibiotics, including the liquid version of penicillin, which is often given to children.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay insisted on Wednesday that checks within the Department of Health had not revealed a problem with the supply of medicines.

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

The Minister for Schools, Nick Gibb, told GB News on Tuesday that preventive antibiotics could be given to children in schools affected by Strep A infection.

Mr Gibb said: “Lord Markham said in the House of Lords yesterday that the HSA is monitoring the situation and looking at these sorts of issues in those schools where there is infection.

“This is an ongoing situation, the UKHSA are engaged very closely with those schools and will provide more advice at a later date.

“But this may be a good option for those particular schools where there is an infection.”

Health officials stressed that infections remain uncommon despite the rise in cases. According to UKHSA data, there have been 3.2 cases of invasive group A streptococcal infection (iGAS) – the most serious form of infection associated with A streptococcus – per 100,000 children aged one to four years since September in England.

There were 659 cases of iGAS between September 12 and December 4, with cases rising 30 percent in the last two weeks of the 12-week period.

When looking at the number of deaths in England, the last time there was an intense period for Strep A infection was in 2017/18, when there were four deaths among children under 10 in a similar time frame.

Public Health Scotland said it had recorded a total of 13 cases of iGAS in children under the age of 10 between the start of October and 1 December. Welsh authorities said cases were still rare.

UKHSA Deputy Director Dr Colin Brown said: ‘Scarlet fever and ‘strep throat’ are common childhood illnesses that can easily be treated with antibiotics. Please visit NHS.uk, and contact 111 online or a GP clinic if your child develops symptoms of these infection until treatment can be evaluated.

Very rarely, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause a more serious disease called [iGAS]. We know this is concerning for parents, but I want to stress that while we are seeing an increase in pediatric cases, this is still not uncommon.”

Between Sept. 12 and Dec. 4, there were 6,601 cases of scarlet fever, up 42 percent in the last two weeks of the 12-week period.

The last week of November alone saw 861 cases of scarlet fever.

Health officials urge parents to contact NHS 111 or their GP if their child is getting worse, feeding or eating much less than usual, has been nappy dry for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration.

They should also seek help if their baby is less than three months old with a temperature of 38C, or if they are older than three months old with a temperature of 39C or higher.

A very tired or irritable child is also a red flag.

The government has sought to ease concern about infection, though it has asked parents to be careful in checking their children for symptoms.

No 10 said the NHS was prepared and that the government was not aware of any current shortages of the antibiotic amoxicillin, which is used to treat bacterial infections.

Asked about the recent rise in the number of cases, the Prime Minister’s official spokesperson said, “We are seeing more cases of group A streptococcus infection this year than usual.

“The bacteria we know cause mild infections that are easily treated with antibiotics and in rare cases can pass into the bloodstream and cause serious illness.

“It’s still uncommon, but it’s important that parents look out for symptoms.

“But the NHS is well prepared to deal with situations like this, working with the UK’s Health Security Agency.”

He said any concerned parents should contact the NHS.

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