Six Kids Dead in UK Amid Surge in Strep A Cases
Tragedy strikes as six children have died in the UK after catching the Strep A bacterial infection. Health chiefs report more cases than usual this year, sparking fears and urgent investigations.
Strep A: Mild at First but Can Turn Deadly
Most Strep A infections start off mild, causing scarlet fever with a sore throat and rash, easily treated with antibiotics. But the bacteria can invade the bloodstream or organs, turning fatal.
“I am not aware of any new strain. However, the COVID pandemic may have reduced population immunity, boosting transmission, especially in school kids,” said Dr Simon Clarke, University of Reading microbiologist.
Experts Warn More Cases Are Coming
Dr Clarke expects further Strep A cases to rise in the coming weeks and months. The recent deaths include five children under ten in England and one in Wales since September.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirms scarlet fever cases remain “higher than usual” for this season. Latest figures show 851 cases reported last week, compared to an average of 186 in previous years.
Investigations are underway into rising lower respiratory tract Group A Strep infections that have caused severe illness in kids recently, says UKHSA.
