UKHSA data reveals at least 30 children in the UK lost their lives due to bacterial infection Strep A since mid-September. Read to know more about scarlet fever cases.
Strep A infections are rising in the UK
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) revealed that at least 30 people under 18 lost their lives to the invasive bacterial Strep A infections since September 19. Among them, 25 children are from England, and three are from Belfast and Wales region. Serious Strep A infections are called invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS) infections. The UKHSA stated the data reveals an “out-of-season” increase in cases of scarlet fever and Strep A infections for a particular year.
“We are continuing to see a rise in scarlet fever and strep throat and this is understandably concerning for parents. However I would stress that the condition can be easily treated with antibiotics and it is very rare that a child will go on to become more seriously ill,” stated Dr. Obaghe Edeghere. Dr. Edeghere is the UKHSA incident director. He also stressed parents to speak to a healthcare professional if their child is becoming more ill.
More on the matter
The total death toll for iGAS across all age groups is 122 this year. However, 102 of them were between the ages of five and nine. “Over the winter, there are lots of illnesses circulating that can make children unwell and so it is important to avoid contact with other people if you are feeling unwell, wash your hands regularly and thoroughly and catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue. I would also urge all those eligible for free winter vaccines to take advantage of these,” explained Dr. Edeghere.
“Every death is a tragedy, particularly those of young children, my thoughts with families & loved ones affected,” tweeted Humza Yousaf. Yousaf is the health secretary of Scotland. “Thankfully most cases of Strep A present as mild illness & can be treated with antibiotics. Working with UK Govt to ensure adequate supplies. Where localized shortages of first-line treatments occur there are alternative & effective antibiotics available,” he added.