As you will no doubt have heard in the news, the UKHSA is reporting an increased number of cases involving Group A Streptococcus (Group A Strep) compared with previous years, and I would like to take this opportunity to provide some clear guidance for parents regarding this.
The UKHSA have stated that there is no evidence of a new, more infectious strain of the Group A Streptococcus bacterium in circulation, and that the increase in cases is most likely related to social mixing following the COVID period in which students were largely separated from one another.
While there have been some absolutely tragic cases reported in the media, Group A Strep infections rarely become serious.
Mild and Moderate cases of Group A Strep
Group A Strep infections can cause many different symptoms and illnesses, with most being mild or moderate throat or skin infections such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, impetigo, and cellulitis among others. Scarlet fever is another illness caused by Group A Strep, and the UKHSA are seeing higher number of scarlet fever cases this year.
The first signs of scarlet fever can be flu-like symptoms, including a high temperature, a sore throat and swollen neck glands (a large lump on the side of your neck). A rash appears 12 to 48 hours later. It looks like small, raised bumps and starts on the chest and tummy, then spreads. The rash makes your skin feel rough, like sandpaper. The rash will be less visible on darker skin but will still feel like sandpaper. More information on scarlet fever can be found on the NHS website, including photos.
What is invasive Group A Strep?
The more serious infections linked to Group A Strep are called Invasive Group A Streptococcus infections (iGAS). These are very rare and when they do occur, they are as a result of the bacteria entering the bloodstream often through mouth sores. This is why having Chicken Pox is a possible complication. There are more examples of iGAS this year simply because there are so many more cases of Strep A infections. However, any individual is not at any greater risk of a Strep A infection developing into an IGAS infection than they would normally be.
What should parents look out for?
It’s always concerning when a child is unwell. Group A Strep infections cause various symptoms such as sore throat, fever, chills and muscle aches.
As a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement.
If you think you, or your child, has a Strep A infection (which includes scarlet fever, throat infections and impetigo):
- see your GP or contact NHS 111 as soon as possible
- make sure that you/your child takes the full course of any antibiotics prescribed by the doctor
- stay at home, away from nursery, school or work for at least 24 hours after starting the antibiotic treatment, to avoid spreading the infection
- If you or your child has a high fever, severe muscle aches, pain in one area of the body and unexplained vomiting or diarrhoea seek medical help immediately
- Children who have had chickenpox recently are more likely to develop more serious infection during an outbreak of scarlet fever and so parents should remain vigilant for symptoms such as a persistent high fever, cellulitis (skin infection) and arthritis (joint pain and swelling). If you are concerned for any reason please seek medical assistance immediately.
- If your child has an underlying condition which affects their immune system, you should contact your GP or hospital doctor to discuss whether any additional measures are needed.
Should I keep my child off school?
If your child has symptoms of Group A Strep you are advised to see your GP, and if they are unwell stay at home. If they have a confirmed case of Group A Strep they are required to remain at home for 24 hours after they have started their antibiotic course (but not completed it) and feel well enough to return to school. There is no need for contacts or siblings to stay away from school.
I hope this helps to better inform you of what Group A Strep is, what to look out for, and what to do in the event your child contracts it. Should you have any specific queries regarding Group A Strep or think your child may have it please contact your GP or call 111, or if they are severely unwell contact 999.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs C. Aitcheson
Headteacher