Welsh primary school pupil dies from bacterial infection
Public Health Wales has said a child's died after getting invasive strep A
Last updated 2nd Dec 2022
A primary school child in Wales has died after contracting invasive strep A.
Public Health Wales says the pupil went to Victoria Primary School in Penarth, four miles south of Cardiff, in the Vale of Glamorgan.
It follows the death of a six-year-old child following an outbreak of the bacterial infection at a school in Surrey last week.
The latest death was confirmed by Public Health Wales’ communicable disease control consultant Dr Ardiana Gjini on Thursday.
Most people who come into contact with the bacteria remain well and symptom-free or develop mild throat or skin infections.
Dr Gjini said Public Health Wales is working with the school to raise awareness about the disease, suggesting people familiarise themselves with the symptoms of fever, sore throat, severe muscle aches and redness at the site of a wound.
“We offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and all those affected,” the doctor said.
“Public Health Wales cannot comment on individual cases, and we ask that the privacy of the family is respected.”
What is Strep A?
Invasive Group A Streptococcal disease (iGAS or Strep A) is known to cause scarlet fever, throat infections and, in very rare cases, invasive disease.
This can occur when bacteria get into parts of the body where they are not usually found, such as the blood, muscle or the lungs.
It can happen if the bacteria get past a person’s defences, such as through an open wound or when a person’s immune system is depleted.
Parents have been reminded to consider nasal flu vaccine for their children where appropriate. Those with the above symptoms should call 111 immediately.
“It is unlikely that other pupils will be affected"
A joint statement has been issued by Victoria Primary School and the Vale of Glamorgan Council:
“Earlier this week, it was confirmed that a pupil from Victoria Primary School had tragically passed away after contracting Strep A.
“Both the school and Council would like to pass on their heartfelt condolences to the family at this incredibly difficult time.
“Support is being provided to staff and pupils by the Council’s team of educational psychologists and information from Public Health Wales has been circulated to parents where appropriate.
“It is unlikely that other pupils will be affected by the illness and severe symptoms are extremely rare. Sensible precautions such as regular hand washing and not attending school when ill can reduce the risk of infection.
“If someone who has been in contact with an individual with Strep A develops any of the following symptoms: high fever, severe muscle aches, pain in one area of the body, redness at the site of a wound, vomiting or diarrhoea, a sore throat or tonsillitis, a mild skin infection such as impetigo or a rash, they should contact their GP immediately.”