Child at Hampshire school dies after contracting Strep A infection
They're the eighth person to die with the illness this winter
A young child at a primary school in Waterlooville has become the eighth to have died with the Strep A infection this winter.
The UK Health Security Agency confirmed on Monday (December 5th) that the case had been reported at Morelands Primary School in Crookhorn Lane in Widley.
Specialists from the UKHSA are working closely with Hampshire County Council to support the school, including advising it on all 'necessary public health actions'.
The Strep A infection is usually associated with a sore throar or skin rash, and can be passed on through sneezing and coughing.
It can cause scarlet fever and in some cases can become serious.
Trish Mannes, regional deputy director for health protection at UKHSA South East, said:
“We are extremely saddened to hear about the death of a young child, and our thoughts are with their family, friends and the local community.
“Infection with Group A Streptococcus bacterium usually causes a sore throat, scarlet fever or skin rash and is passed by physical contact or through droplets from sneezing or coughing. In very rare cases, the infection can become invasive and enter parts of the body where bacteria aren’t normally found, which can be serious.
“We will implement public health actions including advice to the county council and school community.”
Simon Bryant, Director of Public Health at Hampshire County Council said:
“We are working with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Morelands Primary School in Waterlooville following the death of a pupil who attended the school.
"We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and the whole school community who will all be deeply affected by the very tragic loss of this young child, and we are providing our support to them at this incredibly sad time. While we cannot comment on individual cases, we ask that the privacy of the family is respected.
“As a precaution, we have also been working closely with the school to raise awareness amongst parents and carers of the signs and symptoms of Group A Streptococcal infections, and what to do if a child develops these, including invasive Group A Streptococcal disease (iGAS).
“I would stress that contracting iGAS disease from another person is very rare. Most people who come into contact with Group A Streptococcal infections remain well and symptom-free – and therefore there is no reason for children to be kept home if well.”