Mortality of six children after Streptococci A infection

Six children in the United Kingdom have died following invasive infections from streptococci A, a particularly scarlet fever-derived bacteria, health officials announced Friday, as cases in the country continue to rise.

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The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has urged parents to be vigilant after five deaths in children aged under 10 were reported within seven days of being diagnosed with an invasive group A strep infection in England this season. A sixth death has been reported in Wales.

In the last season (2017-2018) of strep A infections, four deaths in children under 10 years of age were reported in England.

Health officials are seeing an increase in these types of invasive infections compared to seasons before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Streptococci A can cause mild or serious infections, especially when they reach the bloodstream, such as tonsillitis, impetigo (a skin infection) and scarlet fever.

Health officials are also investigating following reports of severe respiratory infections caused by the bacteria.

However, “there is no evidence that a new strain is circulating,” the British agency explains, estimating that a possible reason for the increase in the number of infections lies in an increase in bacterial circulation and contact.

Scarlet fever, normally a mild but highly contagious disease, saw a strong growth, with 851 cases reported in the week of November 14-20, compared to an average of 186 during the same period in previous years.

Streptococci A “usually causes a mild infection, sore throat or scarlet fever, that can be easily treated with antibiotics,” Dr. Colin Brown, deputy director of the Health Protection Agency, said in a statement.

“In rare circumstances, this bacterium can enter the bloodstream and cause serious illnesses, invasive streptococcal A infections,” which would be “unusual,” he added, urging parents to watch for symptoms and seek advice as soon as possible. Treatment should be done as soon as possible before the infection worsens.