Strep A | Advice05/12/2022

Dear parents and carers,

We have all been deeply saddened to read about the tragic deaths of six children across the country from invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infections.  Group A “Strep” is a bacteria which often lives harmlessly on our skin but can also cause a variety of illnesses, most of them mild and non-invasive.  Scarlet fever is a common type of Group A Strep infection, which is currently circulating at higher levels than is usual for the time of year.  Symptoms of scarlet fever can include:

• sore throat
• high fever
• a pink or red rash with a rough sandpapery feel

If your child develops any of these symptoms then please keep them at home until they are feeling better.  If you have any concerns, contact NHS 111 or your GP for further advice.  The vast majority of childhood infections currently circulating are mild and easily treatable, and more severe infections (such as iGAS) are extremely rare.  Buckinghamshire Council is working closely with schools and early years settings to ensure that all our children continue to be able to learn and develop in safe and healthy environments. 

Regards,

Daniel Flecknoe

Consultant in Public Health