A primary school pupil in Wales has died after contracting the Strep A infection.
The child's death was confirmed today by Victoria Primary School, in Penarth, and the Vale of Glamorgan Council.
It comes after a six-year-old child died due to the invasive bacterial infection last month, and another pupil was hospitalised after an outbreak at the Ashford Church of England Primary School in Surrey.
There is no indication that the two deaths are in any way related, nor is it suggested there has been an outbreak at Victoria Primary School.
In a joint statement, the Welsh school and council said: "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."
Public Health Wales confirmed it was working with the school to raise awareness of the disease, reports Wales Online.
Dr Ardiana Gjini, consultant in communicable disease control for Public Health Wales, said: "Although it is unlikely that their child will be affected by iGAS infection relevant individuals are being advised that they should familiarise themselves with the symptoms and what to do if these symptoms occur.
"Contracting iGAS disease from a contact is very rare. Most people who come into contact with Group A Streptococcal infection remain well and symptom-free or develop mild throat or skin infections."
Group A Streptococcus is the name given to a type of bacteria sometimes found in the throat or on the skin.
It usually causes mild illness like sore throats and skin infections. Rarely these bacteria can cause a severe and life-threatening illness called invasive Group A Streptococcal disease.
The infection can be passed from person to person by close contact, such as kissing or skin contact.
Most people who come into contact with Group A Strep remain well and symptom-free, while some get mild throat or skin infections.
Contracting an invasive disease from a relative or household member is very rare. You can reduce the risk of picking up Group A Strep by always washing your hands thoroughly.
Pregnant women or those having gynaecology treatments are advised to wash their hands before and after going to the toilet.
It is also important to dispose of tissues after use and to wash your hands when you have a cough or cold.
