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Parents have been warned to be on the lookout for symptoms after a rise in infections caused by the Strep A bacteria.
At least eight children have died with an invasive form of the bacteria in recent weeks, while cases of scarlet fever, which is caused by Strep A infection, have skyrocketed.
Concern has been raised as cases are higher than usual for the time of year.
Infections have been found across the country, with large concentrations of Strep A in southeast England, along with the northeast and northwest.
Experts from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said they were exploring whether the rise in cases was due to a lack of immunity due to Covid lockdowns.
It com the schools’ minister, Nick Gibb, told GB News on Tuesday that preventative antibiotics could be given to children at schools affected by Strep A infections.
Mr Gibb said: “Lord Markham said in the House of Lords yesterday that the UK Health and Security Agency are monitoring the position and are considering those kind of issues in those schools where there is an infection.
“This is an ongoing situation, the UKHSA are involved very closely with those schools and they will be providing further advice later on.
“But that may well be an option for those particular schools where there is an infection.”
According to UKHSA data, there have been 2.3 cases of Strep A infection per 100,000 children aged one to four this year in England, compared with an average of 0.5 in the pre-pandemic seasons (2017 to 2019).
There have also been 1.1 cases per 100,000 children aged five to nine compared with the pre-pandemic average of 0.3 (2017 to 2019).
There were 510 cases of invasive Group A strep (iGAS) – the most serious form of infection linked with Strep A – between 12 September and 20 November, the latest monitoring period for which UKHSA data has been made available.
When looking at the death toll in England, the last time there was an intensive period of Strep A infection was in 2017/18, when there were four deaths in the equivalent time frame.
Between 12 September and 20 November there were 4,622 cases of scarlet fever, which were spread across England despite a large bulge in the northwest with 957 cases.
The last week of November alone saw 861 cases of scarlet fever.
Health officials are urging parents to contact NHS 111 or their GP if their child is getting worse, is feeding or eating much less than normal, has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration.
They should also seek help if their baby is under three months and has a temperature of 38C, or is older than three months with a temperature of 39C or higher.
A very tired or irritable child is also a red flag.
The government has sought to ease worry over the infections, though it has told parents to be vigilant in checking their children for symptoms.
No 10 said the NHS was prepared and the government was not aware of any current shortage of the antibiotic amoxicillin, which is used to treat bacterial infection.
Asked about the recent rise in cases, the prime minister’s official spokesman said: “We are seeing a higher number of cases of Group A strep this year compared to usual.
“The bacteria we know causes a mild infection which is easily treated with antibiotics and in rare circumstances it can get into the bloodstream and cause serious illness.
“It is still uncommon, but it’s important parents are on the lookout for symptoms.
“But the NHS is well prepared to deal with situations like this, working with the UK Health Security Agency.”
He said any parents who are concerned should contact the NHS.
