Published 3rd Dec, 2022

No less than 6 children have died in the United Kingdom after contracting Strep A this winter season.

Strep A, also known as Group A Streptococcus or Group A Strep, are bacteria that cause an array of infections.

Children between 5 and 15 are especially vulnerable to Strep A. People with weakened immune systems can easily get infected too.

Strep A infection sometimes causes no symptoms. However, its common symptoms include strep throat (infection in the throat), impetigo (a skin infection), and tonsillitis.

The infection is highly contagious and can be easily spread through droplets and physical contact from infected persons. Though most Strep A infections are relatively mild, they can evolve into a potentially life-threatening rheumatic fever.

When left untreated, on rare occasions, Strep A could cause a deadly illness called invasive Group A Streptococcal disease (iGAS).

Daily Mail UK already confirmed half a dozen child deaths linked to Strep A infection so far. The bacteria infection has no vaccine but can be treated with antibiotics.

Strep A also cause scarlet fever symptoms, which are often flu-like. The infected person may suffer from swollen neck glands and a high temperature, along with a sore throat.

Between 24 and 48 hours, infected persons could experience a couple of rashes on their torso, a fever, abdominal pain and dizziness.

The tendency of Strep A spreading regardless of face masks use and usual COVID-19 precaution in place makes it a potential health threat to persons travelling to and from the UK at this time.

Share on Social Media