North Yorkshire health consultant reassures parents over Strep A infections
Parents are being urged to "be aware" of the symptoms, but most cases will remain mild
Last updated 6th Dec 2022
A public health consultant in North Yorkshire has offered parents reassurance after a rise in Strep A cases.
Nine children in the UK have died, and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says groups could now been given antibiotics if an outbreak is detected.
Strep A bacteria can cause many different infections, ranging from minor illnesses to serious and deadly diseases.
They include the skin infection impetigo, scarlet fever and strep throat.
While the vast majority of infections are relatively mild, sometimes the bacteria cause serious and life-threatening invasive Group A Streptococcal disease.
This occurs when the bacteria have invaded parts of the body such as the blood, deep muscle or lungs.
Two of the most severe, but rare, forms of invasive disease are necrotising fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.
Peter Roderick, a Consultant in Public Health for the NHS and City of York Council, said most cases will remain mild, but thinks parents should "be aware" of the symptoms.
"I wouldn't be encouraging people to worry," he said. "I'd be encouraging people just to have that awareness and know there is a treatment out there."
If parents are worried, Mr. Roderick said they should call 111 so as not to "clog up" the NHS system, which is said is "very under strain at the moment."
The UKHSA has advised medics to have a low threshold for prescribing antibiotics for children who may be suffering infection linked to Strep A.
On Friday, it said GPs should also "maintain a low threshold for prompt referral" to hospital of any children presenting with persistent or worsening symptoms.
Later, in the Commons, Health Secretary Steve Barclay said the NHS is "seeing an earlier peak than usual in terms of cases" of Strep A.
"We believe this is due to lower exposure during the pandemic which has then (meant) to lower immunity.
"There is no new strain and that I think is one of the key points in terms of reassurance, but the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has declared a national standard and that enables them to better co-ordinate our response including across schools."