The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that at least six children have died of a common bacterial infection, Strep A, in the United Kingdom (UK) as of December 5, 2022.
What is Strep A?
- Strep A infections are usually mild, causing illness ranging from a sore throat to scarlet fever, but they can develop into a more serious invasive Group A Strep (iGAS) infection.
- Bacteria called group A Streptococcus (group A strep) can cause many different infections. These infections range from minor illnesses to very serious and deadly diseases.
- The bacteria can live on hands or the throat for long enough to allow easy spread between people through sneezing, kissing and skin contact
- Most infections cause mild illnesses such as “strep throat” or skin infections.
- It can also cause scarlet fever and in the majority of cases this clears up with antibiotics.
- On rare occasions the bacteria can get deeper into the body – including infecting the lungs and bloodstream. It is known as invasive GAS (iGAS) and needs urgent treatment as this can be serious and life-threatening
- Virologists say that the general rise in Strep A infections could be due to a drop in immunity following the pandemic.
