Six children have died in the United Kingdom following invasive infections with streptococci A, bacteria in particular at the origin of scarlet fever, a benign disease whose cases are on the rise in this country, health authorities announced on Friday. .
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The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has urged parents to be vigilant, following five deaths were recorded in children under 10 within seven days of being diagnosed with invasive group A strep infection this season in England. A sixth death has been recorded in Wales.
In the last season of Strep A infections (2017-2018), four deaths of children under 10 were recorded in England.
Health authorities are seeing an increase in these types of invasive infections compared to the seasons that preceded the COVID-19 pandemic.
Streptococci A can cause either mild or fatal infections, especially when they reach the bloodstream, diseases such as tonsillitis, impetigo (skin infection) and scarlet fever.
Health authorities are also investigating following reports of serious respiratory infections caused by the bacteria.
However, “there is no evidence that a new strain is in circulation”, explains the British agency, estimating that the probable cause of the increase in the number of infections lies in the increase in bacterial circulation and contacts. .
Scarlet fever, a generally mild but highly contagious disease, saw strong growth, with 851 cases reported the week of November 14-20, compared to an average of 186 at the same time in previous years.
Streptococci A “usually cause a mild infection, sore throat or scarlet fever, which can be easily treated with antibiotics,” said Dr. Colin Brown, deputy director of the health security agency, in a statement.
“In rare circumstances, this bacterium can enter the bloodstream and cause serious illnesses, called invasive streptococcal A infections”, which remain “uncommon”, he added, urging parents to watch for symptoms and consult as soon as possible, so that their children can be treated quickly, before the infection becomes serious.
