HEALTH CHECK
PARENTS are being warned to be alert to the signs and symptoms of Group Strep A.
An outbreak of the illness has swept the country, with medics looking into fresh measures to combat the spread.
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Deaths have been seen across the country in London, Belfast and Cardiff.
Other parents have also revealed their battle with the illness, with one heartbroken dad stating that the virus has 'devastated' his little girl.
Here's what parents need to know about the potentially life-threatening infection...
How worried should we be about the spike in Strep A cases?
GP Dr Rachel Ward, of Woodlands Medical Centre, Didcot, says: "It is devastating to hear of the deaths of children to Strep A infection.
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"Strep A infections are common and present as infection of the throat, Skin or Scarlet fever.
"Rarely, the bacteria invades the body and causes serious infections such as toxic shock syndrome, necrotising fasciitis and sepsis.
"Thankfully this is rare but with a number of cases of children dying of this infection, there will be close monitoring and assessment of cases and any new specific guidance will be issued."
What is Group Strep A?
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) – is also known as Streptococcus pyogenes.
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It is a bacteria that can cause mild illnesses, including sore throats and skin infections, alongside tonsillitis, cellulitis, impetigo (a very contagious infection that starts with blistered skin) and scarlet fever, which is flu-like and tends to occur in children - it can be serious if not treated swiftly with antibiotics.
However, in rare cases, the bacteria can trigger invasive Group Strep A disease, which can prove life-threatening and even fatal.
Dr Rachel explains: "Most commonly Strep A infections cause throat infections – causing sore throat with fever, or skin infections.
"It also causes Scarlet fever where fever and sore throat is accompanied by a rough rash on the body, strawberry looking tongue and red cheeks.
"In more serious invasive infections, people will experience fever, severe aches and possibly muscle tenderness in one area with skin changes.
"There can also be unexplained vomiting and diarrhoea. This is an emergency and you should seek medical help immediately."
The bacteria is responsible for 15-40 per cent of sore throats amongst children, and five to 15 per cent amongst adults.
What are the symptoms?
There are four key signs of invasive Group A Strep to watch out for, according to the NHS. These are:
- A fever (meaning a high temperature above 38°C)
- Severe muscle aches
- Localised muscle tenderness
- Redness at the site of a wound
The invasive version of the disease happens when the bacteria break through the body's immune defences.
This can happen if you're already feeling unwell or have an immune system that’s weakened.
Two of the most severe examples of invasive disease are necrotising fasciitis - a very rare but life-threatening infection also called ‘flesh-eating disease’ - and toxic shock syndrome.
What about the milder illnesses the bacteria can cause?
Tonsillitis is usually mild and causes pain in the throat.
Cellulitis is a skin infection that causes redness, swelling and pain at the site of the infection, but it can also be life-threatening if it progresses and triggers sepsis (blood poisoning) - which can occur with other Strep A infections too.
Impetigo, which tends to appear as scabbing, is very common in young children, according to the NHS, but the sores it causes can often be harder to spot on brown and black skin.
How do you catch Group Strep A?
Lots of people actually carry the Group A Strep bacteria without ever developing symptoms or feeling unwell.
However, it can be passed from person to person through close contact, including kissing and touching skin.
Dr Rachel says: "It can also be spread from person to person by touching objects with the bacteria on."
Contracting invasive Group A Streptococcal disease from loved ones though is rare, according to the NHS.
The bacteria - also known as strep throat - can pass via droplets when you cough or sneeze.
Who is at risk?
Some people are at higher risk of contracting the invasive form.
The NHS says those people include anyone who:
- is in close contact with someone who already has it
- is over the age of 65
- is diabetic
- has heart disease or cancer
- has recently had chickenpox
- has HIV
- uses some steroids or intravenous drugs
The time of year can also be a factor. Outbreaks can be rife in late winter and early spring, but the risk remains all year round.
How can you reduce your risk?
For starters, follow basic hygiene practices - always wash your hands thoroughly, particularly when using bathrooms and going to the loo.
Dr Rachel adds: "Regular handwashing is very important to reduce spread and minimising close contact with those who have an infection.
"Pregnant women and those undergoing gynae procedures are advised to wash your hands before and after using the toilet."
Remember the catch it, kill it, bin advice, and always chuck away used tissues - again washing your hands afterwards - if you have a cough or cold.
How is it treated?
Dr Rachel says: "The commonly seen throat, skin infections and scarlet fever are treated with antibiotics, and medication to bring your temperature down like paracetamol.
"However, invasive infections require hospital based treatments including intravenous antibiotics and fluids and sometime emergency surgery."
Antibiotics are usually the first port of call for impetigo, scarlet fever and tonsillitis - but don’t delay in seeking medical advice from your GP if you spot any of the above symptoms in your child.
If diagnosed, sufferers will usually be prescribed a course of liquid antibiotics to be taken for ten days.
And symptoms tend to clear up within two weeks, but there can be complications, especially with scarlet fever.
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There is a small risk of the infection spreading to other areas in the body, potentially causing ear infection, sinusitis or even pneumonia.
It’s also advisable to return to your GP as soon as possible if you or your child is affected by headaches, vomiting or diarrhoea after early scarlet fever symptoms have vanished.