Two children die of Strep A virus in Scotland | UK News

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Public Health Scotland said two children under the age of 10 had died after contracting Strep A since October 3.

The organization said it was aware of seven deaths among invasive group A streptococcal infections between October 3 and December 25.

Two of these deaths were of children under the age of ten.

Strep A: Symptoms and difference between GAS and iGAS

This compares to zero to seven deaths reported during the same time period in previous years, she said.

Infections caused by Strep A include skin infections, impetigo, scarlet fever, and strep throat.

While the vast majority of infections are relatively mild, sometimes bacteria can cause iGAS.

This is a life-threatening infection where bacteria have invaded parts of the body, such as the blood, deep muscles, or lungs.

Scottish Health Minister Hamza Yusuf wrote on Twitter: “Every death is a tragedy, especially the death of young children. My thoughts are with the affected families and loved ones.”

He added: “Thankfully most cases of Strep A are mild and treatable with antibiotics. Working with the UK government to ensure adequate supplies.”

“When a local shortage of first-line treatments occurs, effective alternative antibiotics are available.”

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1:41 Strep A can be spread through coughing, sneezing, and skin-to-skin contact

Public Health Scotland (PHS) said that in the week to 25 December there were 869 laboratory reports of Group A Streptococcus, down from 1,079 in the previous week.

This compares to between 300 and 480 reports per week during peak periods observed in the period since 2016.

The PHS report said iGAS infection levels for 2022 were “generally stable and similar to previous years.”

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In the week ending December 25, 15 cases of iGAS were reported across all age groups, compared to 13 in the previous week.

This compares to between 12 and 18 cases per week during peak periods observed in previous years.

Data from the beginning of October to December 25 reveals that PHS has received reports of 20 cases of iGAS in children under the age of 10.

The latest data from the UK’s Health Security Agency shows that 21 children under the age of 18 have died of Strep A, while three child deaths have been recorded in Belfast and Wales.

Health officials urged parents and those caring for children to be vigilant.

People are encouraged to reduce the risk of spreading infection by washing their hands frequently with soap and water, and covering their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze.

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