The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a rare alert after six children died from invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) disease, prompting parents to watch for symptoms. Five deaths occurred in England and one in Wales, with a four-year-old boy from Buckinghamshire among the victims.
Symptoms of strep A include sore throat, fever, and minor skin infections. While most cases are mild and treatable with antibiotics, the UKHSA urges immediate medical help if a child develops high fever, severe muscle aches, pain in a specific area, or unexplained vomiting or diarrhoea.
This season has seen a significant rise in scarlet fever cases, with 851 reported in the week of 14–20 November compared to an average of 186 for the same period in previous years. iGAS cases among children aged one to four have reached 2.3 per 100,000, up from a pre-pandemic average of 0.5.
Dr Colin Brown, deputy director of UKHSA, stated: 'We are seeing a higher number of cases of group A strep this year than usual. The bacteria usually cause mild infection, but in rare circumstances can enter the bloodstream and cause serious illness.' He advised parents to consult a health professional if a child’s condition deteriorates after scarlet fever, sore throat, or respiratory infection.
Among the deceased is Muhammad Ibrahim Ali, four, whose mother Shabana Kousar told the Bucks Free Press: 'The loss is great and nothing will replace that.' Hanna Roap, seven, from Penarth, also died, along with a six-year-old from Surrey. The UKHSA confirmed investigations are ongoing into an increase in lower respiratory tract infections caused by strep A.
