AT least 40 children have died from Strep A in the UK as cases rise, new data has revealed.
In England there have been 32 casualties in children under the age of 18, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.
The toll in England is the first official increase reported since January 12.
In Scotland, there have been three deaths in youngsters under the age of 10 and in Wales there have been five deaths in the under 15s, official figures show.
There are thought to have been three deaths in Northern Ireland, local reports state, however there is no official toll from the nation.
Fresh data from the UKHSA published today states that the number of infections had slowed, but that there has been an increase in recent weeks.
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In the 2017 to 2018 season, there were 354 deaths in total, including 27 deaths in children under 18.
Sadly, so far this season, there have been 262 deaths across all age groups in England
Bacteria called group A Streptococcus (group A strep) cause scarlet fever.
These bacteria are also the cause of strep throat. The bacteria sometimes make a toxin (poison), which causes a rash — the “scarlet” of scarlet fever, experts at the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) state.
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Medics today said that cases of scarlet fever also remain high – but are now in line with levels seen during the last high season.
In the period spanning September 12 to February 12, there have been 44,478 notifications of scarlet fever.
In the last comparable high season of 2017 to 2018 (September to August), there were 30,768 scarlet fever notifications overall across the year.
Dr Derren Ready, Incident Director, UKHSA, said: "Although the number of scarlet fever notifications we are seeing each week has significantly fallen since the peak in December, the bacteria that cause the infection are still circulating at high levels for this time of the year.
"Please contact NHS 111 or your GP if you suspect you or your child have scarlet fever – with symptoms such as fever, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and a sandpapery rash.
"Early treatment of scarlet fever with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of a more serious infection and transmission to others.
"After starting antibiotics, children should be excused from school or nursery, and adults should be excused from work for the first 24 hours."
The data published today comes as an inquest found that a five-year-old girl from Nottinghamshire died from Strep A surrounded by her family.
Meha Carneiro, of Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts, tragically passed away at King's Mill Hospital on December 5.
A provisional post mortem, read out by assistant coroner Hannah Mettam at Nottingham Council House, found she died of Group A Streptococcus sepsis.
In most cases Strep A bacteria causes mild illnesses, but in rare cases it can trigger invasive Group Strep A disease.
Group A streptococcus (GAS) are a type of bacteria found in the throat and skin.
Invasive Group Strep A occurs if these bacteria get into the bloodstream or other areas where they shouldn't be.
This can then lead to serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis.
What are the symptoms?
There are four key signs of invasive Group A Strep to watch out for, according to the NHS. These are:
- A fever (meaning a high temperature above 38°C)
- Severe muscle aches
- Localised muscle tenderness
- Redness at the site of a wound
The invasive version of the disease happens when the bacteria break through the body's immune defences.
This can happen if you're already feeling unwell or have an immune system that’s weakened.
Two of the most severe examples of invasive disease are necrotising fasciitis – a very rare but life-threatening infection also called ‘flesh-eating disease’ – and toxic shock syndrome.
Who is at risk?
Some people are at higher risk of contracting the invasive form.
The NHS says those people include anyone who:
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- is in close contact with someone who already has it
- is over the age of 65
- is diabetic
- has heart disease or cancer
- has recently had chickenpox
- has HIV
- uses some steroids or intravenous drugs
The time of year can also be a factor. Outbreaks can be rife in late winter and early spring, but the risk remains all year round.
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