Six children die of Strep A: Here’s what to know about the highly contagious disease

Six children in the UK have died from strep A infection, a figure that health officials say is much higher than previous years. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) believes the spike in cases and fatality is probably due to the removal of Covid-19 related measures. But what type of infection is this and how contagious is it?

What is Strep A?

This is a cluster of bacteria called group A streptococi found on the throat and skin and could cause a variety of infections including scarlet fever, pneumonia, sore throat and cellulitis, says the NHS. If these bacteria get into the bloodstream – which is rare – they can cause a severe illness called invasive Group A strep (iGAS) which can lead to Toxic Shock Syndrome and Necrotising Fasciitis or ‘flesh-eating disease’.

Unlike previous years, the UK is recording an increase in iGAS cases this year, especially among children below 10 years. Dr Colin Brown, Deputy Director, UKHSA, said:

We are seeing a higher number of cases of Group A strep this year than usual. The bacteria usually causes a mild infection producing sore throats or scarlet fever that can be easily treated with antibiotics.

How contagious is it

But in rare cases which have resulted in the deaths of six children, the bacteria can cause serious illness, he added. The infections caused by this group of bacteria can spread through coughs, sneezes and skin-to-skin contact. This might explain why fewer cases were recorded when Covid restrictions were in place.

Carriers of the bacteria may not present with any symptoms but can pass it on to others.

Sources used:

Sky News: What is Strep A and what are the symptoms of the bacterial infection?

The Guardian: Strep A: what are the symptoms and how can infection be treated?

Gov.uk: UKHSA update on scarlet fever and invasive Group A strep