Strep A death toll hits 15 children in the UK as parents urged to be vigilant

Invasive Group A Strep remains uncommon, the UKHSA have said, but there has nevertheless been a significant increase in cases seen this year — particularly in children under the age of 10.

Specifically, this year has seen 2.3 cases per 100,000 kids aged one to four and 1.1 per 100,000 children aged five to nine — compared, respectively, to figures of just 0.5 and 0.3 at this time of year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to medical experts, symptoms of invasive Group A Strep can include a persistently high temperature, difficulties breathing, a spreading rash that doesn’t fade when pressed, red and swollen joints, irritability and difficulty waking.

The UKHSA said: ”Given the potential for severe presentations in children, it remains important that scarlet fever cases are treated promptly with antibiotics to limit further spread and reduce risk of potential complications in cases and their close contacts.”

READ MORE: Acute pharyngitis is the most common symptom of Strep A

Article source: https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1707113/Strep-A-UK-children-death-toll-symptoms