Scarlet fever cases soar to 17,695 as Strep A outbreak kills 19 children
CASES of scarlet fever have soared in England to 17,695 - compared to just 2,538 cases at the same point last year.
Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection, triggered by Group A Strep bacteria - in rare cases, the bacteria can reach the bloodstream and cause a fatal invasive disease.
The first symptoms of scarlet fever can appear similar to flu, and include a high temperature, sore throat and swollen neck glands as well as a rash that can feel like sandpaper.
The same bacteria can cause other, less serious conditions, including strep throat, tonsillitis, the skin infections impetigo and cellulitis.
But, as cases of Strep A have risen across the UK, so too have more serious cases of both scarlet fever and invasive Group A Strep disease.
The outbreak has so far killed 19 children, who are believed to have died of Strep A.
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Cases of the bug have risen earlier this year, which could be a knock-on effect of the Covid-19 pandemic, experts have previously said.
However, health officials do not believe the number of scarlet fever infections has yet peaked.
The surge in cases is putting a huge strain on NHS 111 and pharmacists, with shortages of penicillin and other antibiotics reported across the UK.
Cases of Strep A are also circulating in high numbers in other European countries, including France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, according to the WHO.
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Meanwhile, parents are flooding NHS 111 phone lines in a panic about the Strep A outbreak in kids
The increase in concern from Brits comes as nurses up and down the country have today taken to the picket line to strike in a deal over pay.
And on Monday a minister warned that grandparents are more at risk of dying from Strep A than their grandkids.
Maria Caulfield, speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, said that “the vast majority” of those who have died of Strep A this year were those aged over 65.
The warning comes just days before millions of families up and down the country get together to celebrate Christmas.
New from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) suggests at least 34 over 65's have died of the bug in England since September, as cases continue to rise.
What are the symptoms of invasive group A Strep?
There are four key signs of Group Strep A 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.
Infections caused by Strep A range from minor illnesses to serious and deadly diseases.
They include the skin infection impetigo, scarlet fever and strep throat.
While the vast majority of infections are relatively mild, the bacteria can cause life-threatening illness called invasive Group A Streptococcal disease.
The bacteria are spread by contact with an infected person or by contact with infected skin lesions.
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Bacteria can be passed from person to person by close touch, such as kissing or skin contact.
The risk of spread is greatest when somebody is ill, such as when people have strep throat or an infected wound.