UK health warns parents after 6 child deaths linked to Strep A infections

International

5-12-2022, 22:09

INA - SOURCES

Health officials in the U.K. are warning parents to be alert after a recent spate of severe Strep A infections resulted in the deaths of at least six children.

The U.K.'s Health Security Agency issued a rare health warning urging parents to monitor their children for tell-tale symptoms of the illness, which can include a sore throat, headache, fever, and body rashes.

At least six children have died of severe cases of the infection since September, health agencies said, while reported cases have risen over 4.5 times the amount seen in recent years.

Streptococcus A — or Group A Strep (GAS) — is a bacterial infection of the throat or skin which typically arises during the winter months.

While most cases are mild and often go unnoticed, it can also lead to more serious illness and complications.