There has been an increase in Group A Strep infections among children in the UK in recent weeks.
Families with clinically vulnerable children are “incredibly concerned” about the Strep A outbreak and have begun removing children from school early ahead of the Christmas break as a result.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is investigating the cause of the increase. “It isn’t possible to say for certain what is causing higher than usual rates of these infections,” it said in an update. “There is likely a combination of factors, including increased social mixing compared to the previous years as well as increases in other respiratory viruses.”
Here is what you need to know about Strep A, including how to identify symptoms, and what you should do if you think your child may have it.
What is Strep A?
Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a common bacteria. Lots of us carry it in our throats and on our skin and it doesn’t always result in illness. However, GAS does cause a number of infections, some mild and some more serious.
These can include infections in the skin, soft tissue and respiratory tract. GAS is responsible for infections such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, scarlet fever, impetigo and cellulitis.
The most serious infections linked to GAS come from invasive Group A Strep, known as iGAS, the UKHSA advises.
More on Strep A
These infections are caused by the bacteria getting into parts of the body where it is not normally found, such as the lungs or bloodstream. In rare cases, an iGAS infection can be fatal.
The UKHSA says: “This can happen when a person has sores or open wounds that allow the bacteria to get into the tissue, breaches in their respiratory tract after a viral illness, or in a person who has a health condition that decreases their immunity to infection. When the immune system is compromised, a person is more vulnerable to invasive disease.”
What are the symptoms?
GAS infections can cause various symptoms, many of which are also common with other illnesses. They can include:
- Fever (high temperature above 38ºC)
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Chills
Dr Colin Brown, deputy director of the UKHSA, said: “We are seeing a higher number of cases of Group A Strep this year than usual. The bacteria usually causes a mild infection producing sore throats or scarlet fever that can be easily treated with antibiotics.
“In very rare circumstances, this bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause serious illness – called invasive Group A strep. This is still uncommon; however, it is important that parents are on the lookout for symptoms and see a doctor as quickly as possible so that their child can be treated and we can stop the infection becoming serious.
“Make sure you talk to a health professional if your child is showing signs of deteriorating after a bout of scarlet fever, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection.”
What should I do if my child is displaying symptoms?
The UKHSA advises: “As a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement.”
It says you should contact NHS 111 or your GP if:
- Your child is getting worse
- Your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
- Your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more, or shows other signs of dehydration
- Your baby is under three months and has a temperature of 38°C, or is older than three months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher
- Your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
- Your child is very tired or irritable
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- Your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
- There are pauses when your child breathes
- Your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
- Your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake
The disease is highly contagious, so if you think your child may have Strep A you should keep them at home, away from others.
