The latest victim was a pupil at Morelands Primary School in Waterlooville, Hampshire. An invasive form of the Strep A bacterial infection has spread across the UK in recent months, with No 10 warning parents to be ‘on the lookout’ for symptoms. The infection usually causes a sore throat, scarlet fever or skin rash and is spread by physical contact or through droplets from sneezing or coughing. The UK Health Safety Authority said it is important that accurate information is communicated to the school community in Hampshire. Simon Bryant, director of public health at Hampshire County Council, said the authority was “working closely with the school to make parents and carers aware of the signs and symptoms of group A strep infections”. He added: “I will emphasize that contracting (this) disease from another person is very rare. “Most people who come into contact with group A strep infections remain well and symptom-free – and so there is no reason to keep children at home if they are well.” Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 5:15 What is Strep A? Read more: What are the symptoms of Strep A? Why the flurry of deaths now? Downing Street said the NHS was “well prepared”, adding that there was no current shortage of the antibiotic amoxicillin, which is used to treat bacterial infections, as far as it knew. Referring to the recent rise in cases, the prime minister’s official spokesman said: “We are seeing a higher number of group A strep cases this year compared to usual. “The bacteria we know causes a mild infection that is easily treated with antibiotics and in rare cases can enter the bloodstream and cause serious illness.” Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said her department was “monitoring the situation and working with public authorities”. She advises parents who have concerns to call 111. Microbiologist Dr Simon Clarke, from the University of Reading, said he knew of no evidence of a new strain, but suggested a “population-wide decline in immunity” as a result of children not being involved during the COVID pandemic. could increase transmission’. He added that while the cases do not appear to be linked, he believes “more cases in the coming weeks and months” are likely.
