Strep A Outbreak Warning

UK health officials are working with schools and Local Authorities in the wake of an increase of cases of Invasive Strep A Infection (IGAS).

At least nineteen school-aged children across England, Northern Ireland and Wales have sadly died from IGAS (Invasive Strep A infection).

Other pupils at affected schools have been taken ill, some hospitalised, with Strep A. Advice from the UKHSA (The UK Health Security Agency) being distributed to schools in affected counties, and may become more widely distributed if more cases emerge.

In the wake of the outbreak and death in Wales, Public Health Wales is working with Victoria Primary School to raise awareness of Strep A, also referred to as 'invasive Group A Streptococcal (iGAs) disease'. Dr Ardiana Gjini, who is a consultant in communicable disease control for Public Health Wales, has shared the following statement with the media;

“Although it is unlikely that their child will be affected by iGAS infection relevant individuals are being advised that they should familiarise themselves with the symptoms and what to do if these symptoms occur.

Contracting iGAS disease from a contact is very rare. Most people who come into contact with Group A Streptococcal infection remain well and symptom-free or develop mild throat or skin infections. Public Health Wales is working with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and the Vale of Glamorgan Council following the death of a pupil at Victoria Primary School, Penarth.

We offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and all those affected. Public Health Wales cannot comment on individual cases and we ask that the privacy of the family is respected."

The affected school in Surrey, Ashford Church of England primary school, has reported two more cases alongside the death of one of their year one pupils. A spokesman for UKHSA has said;

"As part of our public health response to last week's tragic news, we issued some general information about the signs and symptoms of scarlet fever, which is not uncommon, to schools in the vicinity of Ashford Primary.

'A number of other illnesses typically circulate at this time of year and parents, school and nursery staff are advised to be aware of the symptoms, to keep up with vaccinations and to seek advice from NHS 111 if they have concerns."

The latest death in Ealing, London, involved a pupil at St John's Primary School. We will update this article when more information emerges.

At this stage, there is no suggestion by UKHSA that these outbreaks are linked but we will update this article if anything changes.

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What is Strep A and what are the symptoms?

Strep A is a bacteria which can be found in the the throat, skin and anogenital tract. It can cause a a long list of soft tissue and respiratory tract infections. It can be carried with no symptoms at all, and it survives long enough in the throat or skin to allow it to be spread to others by skin-to-skin contact, or airborne via coughing and sneezing. Even in cases where a carrier has no symptoms of infection, carriers of the disease can still pass on Strep A as just as easily as those who are unwell with it. It's highly contagious, and can be very serious, but can be treated with antibiotics.

Please note that Strep A can also cause Scarlet Fever and impetigo - a positive swab for Strep A does not mean that your child has an iGAS infection so don't worry!

The symptoms can include...

A rash
Sore throat
Flushed cheeks
A swollen tongue
Severe muscle aches
High fever
Localised muscle tenderness
Redness at the site of a wound.

What should I do if I suspect Strep A?

UKHSA is advising that anyone with these symptoms or a child with these symptoms calls 111 immediately, particularly if you're aware of contact with someone from an affected school.

Find the NHS information on Strep A here.

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