What is Strep A and what are the symptoms?
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Preventative antibiotics could be distributed among children at schools affected by Strep A infections, the schools minister has confirmed following the deaths of a number of children.
Nick Gibb said the issue was raised in the House of Lords on Monday and the use of antibiotics is an option.
He told GB News: “This is an ongoing situation, the UKHSA are involved very closely with those schools and they will be providing further advice later on.”
A number of have died from Strep A in recent weeks, and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed there has been an increase in infections.
While the vast majority of infections are relatively mild, sometimes the bacteria causes a life-threatening illness called invasive Group A Streptococcal disease.
A five-year-old girl who attended a primary school in Belfast reportedly died on Monday after health officials said one of its pupils had been diagnosed with a severe form of Strep A.
BBC News understands the schoolgirl developed a severe illness last week and was treated at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, where she had been in intensive care.
Ninth child 'dies at Belfast primary school which reported Strep A case’
A five-year-old girl who attended a primary school in Belfast has died after health officials said one of its pupils had been diagnosed with a severe form of Strep A, reports say.
BBC News NI says it understands the schoolgirl developed a severe illness last week and was treated at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, where she had been in intensive care.
The broadcaster claims she died on Monday.
It comes days after the Public Health Agency (PHA) sent a letter to parents of children at Black Mountain Primary School.
On Friday, PHA said a pupil had contracted severe form of Strep A and advised other pupils to preventative course of antibiotics.
Preventative antibiotics ‘may be given to schoolchildren’ to slow spread
Preventative antibiotics could be distributed among children at schools affected by Strep A infections, the schools minister has confirmed following the deaths of eight children.
Nick Gibb said the issue was raised in the House of Lords on Monday and the use of antibiotics is an option.
He told GB News: “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.”
We have now ended our live coverage of the Strep A outbreak but keep checking independent.co.uk for the latest updates.
No 10 says no shortage of antibiotic
A No 10 spokesperson denied this morning there was a shortage of a type of antibiotic used to treat Strep A infections, according to HuffPostUK’s deputy politcal editor:
Fundraising raises thousands for Camila
Thousands of pounds have been raised to help Camila’s family as her parents remain by her side.
“Dean and Kaye understandably have not and will not leave Camila’s side during this absolutely heartbreaking situation,” the fundraising page says.
“Due to this, there will be no income coming into the home.”
As of Monday afternoon, it had raised more than £19,000.
Father of girl ‘fighting for life’ speaks of agony
The father of a girl who is “fighting for her life” after contracting a Strep A infection has spoken of his pain.
Dean Burns from Liverpool told the BBC: “She is still fighting for her life. She is really poorly, it is just devastating to us as a family. We can’t believe this has happened.
“It progressed to something called invasive group A Strep, which has now gone into her bloodstream and has devastated her body.”
He told the Today programme: “I’m at a loss with it all, I just want our family back. The pain is unimaginable. She is just so beautiful and precious. She is just our special little girl.”
Camila Rose Burns is in hospital with invasive group Strep A infection
(Family handout)
Everything we know about current Strep A outbreak
Seven children have now died from a bacterial infection after outbreaks at a number of schools.
A 12 year-old boy from south London is the latest victim of Strep A, the eldest to date. Six other primary school age children have also passed away in recent weeks.
Here is what we know so far:
What is Strep A and what are the symptoms?
Schools issue advice to parents over Strep A
Schools are issuing health and safety advice to parents and carers after a surge in cases of Strep A, reportedly causing the deaths of up to seven children in England and Wales.
Furvah Shah has the full story:
Children should stay home if they display Strep A symptoms, warn schools
No 10 ‘fully understands’ concerns over rising Strep A cases
Downing Street said it can “fully understand” that parents are concerned by rising Strep A cases.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesperson 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.”
They said any parents who are concerned should contact the NHS.
Seventh child dies from Strep A infection
A 12-year-old boy is the seventh child to die after contracting Strep A in recent weeks, according to reports.
The boy, believed to be a Year 8 pupil from Colfe’s School in Lewisham, is understood to be the first secondary school student to fall victim to an infection caused by the bacteria after a spike in cases in recent weeks.
Maryam Zakir-Hussain has the full story:
Lewisham boy latest to fall victim to bacterial illness after a spike in cases in recent weeks
