Three more children have been killed by Strep A as the outbreak spreads, worried health officials have announced.
The latest figures come after the alarm was raised by ministers over a shortage of penicillin to treat cases among young children for the invasive form of the disease.
It was confirmed that 74 deaths across all age groups in England have been recorded. This figure includes 16 children under 18, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced.
Three other children died across the UK, including five-year-old Stella-Lily McCorkindale from Belfast, Northern Ireland. An unnamed child in Powys, Wales, and primary school pupil Hanna Roap, from Penarth in south Wales.
Health officials reportedly do believe the number of infections could continue to rise.
Strep A bacteria can cause many different infections, including scarlet fever, strep throat, and the skin infection impetigo.
But experts fear a lack of immunity after Covid-19 lockdowns and social distancing could be to blame.
Group A strep bacteria can cause many different infections, ranging from minor illnesses to deadly diseases.
UKHSA said in a statement: "Sadly, so far this season there have been 74 deaths across all age groups in England.
"This figure includes 16 children under 18 in England. In the 2017 to 2018 season, there were 355 deaths in total across the season, including 27 deaths in children under 18."
There are fears GPs and A&Es could be flooded with parents. They have been warned not to self-diagnose and give children leftover antibiotics.
Serious Shortage Protocols have been issued for three medicines as the government moves to respond to increased demand.
Dr Colin Brown, Deputy Director, UKHSA, said: “Scarlet fever and ‘strep throat’ will make children feel unwell, but can be easily treated with antibiotics.
"Symptoms to look out for include fever, sore throat, swollen glands, difficulty swallowing, and headache. Scarlet fever causes a sandpapery rash on the body and a swollen tongue.
"NHS services are under huge pressure this winter, but please visit NHS.UK, contact 111 online or your GP surgery if your child has symptoms of scarlet fever or ‘strep throat’ so they can be assessed for treatment.
“At this time of year, there are lots of winter illnesses circulating that can make children unwell. Most of these can be managed at home and NHS.UK has information to help parents look after children with mild illness.
“It is very rare that a child will go on to become more seriously ill, but as parents you know better than anyone else what your child is usually like, so you'll know when they are not responding as they would normally.
"Make sure you speak to a healthcare professional if your child is getting worse after a bout of scarlet fever, a sore throat or respiratory infection – look out for signs such as a fever that won’t go down, dehydration, extreme tiredness, intense muscle pains, difficulty breathing or breathing very fast.”
The condition can normally be treated with antibiotics but symptoms, such as a fever and sore throat, can be mistaken for other viruses.
What is Strep A and how is it spread?
Strep A is short for Group A Streptococcus, a common bacterium found in the throat and on the skin. It spreads through coughs, sneezes and skin contact, such as through open wounds. It becomes a problem when it passes our natural defence systems and grows in unusual areas, such as blood or organs. This is known as invasive Strep A.
What are the main symptoms and are there any less common ones to watch for?
Pain when swallowing, high temperature, swollen tonsils with white patches, swollen neck glands and a rash. Less common are vomiting and nausea, abdominal pain and stiff joints. Signs of severe infection include high fever, severe muscle aches, pain in one area, red rashes, and vomiting/diarrhoea.
Who is most at risk?
Those with weaker immune systems – young and elderly, people on immunosuppressant medications, those with long-term health conditions like diabetes and cancer or on kidney dialysis, or those who use steroids. At-risk people are even weaker after a cold or flu.
Have Covid lockdowns been responsible for this outbreak?
There are theories to suggest the lack of contact with conditions such as Strep A led to an inability to fight off the infection now.
Could repeated Covid infections lead to Strep A?
The only link is that viral infections put a load on your immune system, which may then prevent it from dealing with other infections.
Should you isolate with Strep A symptoms?
It’s common sense to stay clear of people if you feel unwell. If you can’t, a medical-grade mask will prevent the spread.
