Concern is mounting in the UK as nine new children have died from infection with the bacteria strep A this week.
The number of Strep A victims has nearly doubled in the UK. While the number of children who died from an infection with this bacterium was only 6 at the start of the week, it has now risen to 15 this Friday, December 9.
We’re seeing an increased number of cases of Group A streptococcus (#StrepA) compared to normal at this time of year.
As a precaution, here’s the latest advice for parents, schools, colleges and early years providers from @UKHSA ud83dudc47https://t.co/n14h2majkJ
— Department for Education (@educationgovuk) December 7, 2022
According to updated figures from the UK Health Agency (UKHSA), 15 children under the age of 15 have died this week. 659 cases have been recorded since the start of the epidemic season in England, which corresponds to the highest level ever reached at this time of year in five years.
“Reinforced surveillance” in France
On the French side, Public Health France evokes “a number of pediatric cases of invasive Group A Streptococcus (IISGA) infections greater than usually observed”. “These invasive infections have occurred in different regions (Occitanie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Nouvelle-Aquitaine) and mainly in children under 10 years old”, reports the health establishment.
Public Health France calls for “the establishment of enhanced surveillance” in order to “better assess the situation epidemiologically and characterize the severe forms admitted to intensive care.”