Four more children die in England of Strep A as the total deaths in the UK reach 34

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New data has revealed that four more children in England have died from invasive Strep A.

This brings the total number of deaths to 34 in the UK since the season began in mid-September.

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Strep A deaths have risen in the UK

New figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that four more children under the age of 18 have died in England.

Previous figures released on December 29 showed 25 deaths in England.

Meanwhile, two children under the age of 10 have died in Scotland since October 3, Public Health Scotland announced last week.

Three infant deaths from Strep A have also been recorded in Belfast and Wales by the UKHSA.

These numbers may rise but there are no updates provided on these countries today.

There have been 151 deaths across all age groups in England this season.

In the 2017 to 2018 season, there were 355 deaths in total, including 27 deaths of children under the age of 18.

It comes as parents are asked to accept the offer of a flu shot with a flu spray at school sessions or at their children’s community catch-up clinics.

This is particularly important, as the NHS says viral infections, such as the flu, increase the risk of developing Strep A infection.

The guidelines state that Strep A infection is spread through close contact with an infected person.

It can then be transmitted through coughing and sneezing or from a wound.

Group A Streptococcus – Streptococcus pyogenes – is a bacterium that can cause mild illness.

These can include sore throats and skin infections, along with tonsillitis, cellulitis and scarlet fever, and are similar to the flu and tend to occur in children – they can be serious if not treated quickly with antibiotics.

In rare cases, the bacteria can lead to invasive group A streptococcal disease, which can be life-threatening and even fatal.

What are the symptoms of invading group A bacteria?

There are four main signs of Strep A to watch out for, according to the NHS. and this is:

Fever (temperature over 38°C) severe muscle pain localized muscle pain redness at the wound site

The invasive version of the disease occurs when bacteria breach the body’s immune defences.

This can happen if you are already feeling unwell or have a weak immune system.

“As children go back to school, scarlet fever and ‘sore throats’ continue to circulate at high levels, so it is important that we all wash our hands regularly and thoroughly and catch coughs and sneezes,” said Dr Obagi Edger, Incident Director at the UKHSA.

“This will help stop the spread of germs among children and other vulnerable groups and will help prevent the spread of other winter diseases that are currently circulating at high levels, including influenza and COVID-19.

“It’s never too late to take free flu and COVID-19 vaccines if you qualify – we know that group A strep infections can be even more dangerous when combined with other infections such as the flu.

Most winter illnesses can be managed at home and the NHS.UK has information to help parents care for children with mild illness.

“Deaths and serious illness following infection with group A streptococcus are very rare and the infection can be easily treated with antibiotics.

“Speak to a healthcare professional if you think your child is getting worse, for example, if they are eating or eating less than usual, are dehydrated, have a high temperature that won’t go down, are very hot and sweaty or Seems more tired or irritable than usual.

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At least 34 children have died from Strep A.

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