Strep A: Parents in Hull & East Yorks urged to be alert to symptoms

By Rick Lyon

Parents across Hull and East Yorkshire are being urged to be alert to the signs of the invasive strain of Group A Streptococcal (Strep A).

Strep A is a common bacteria which can live harmlessly in the throat and on skin. It can cause mild illnesses like a sore throat, more serious illnesses like scarlet fever and, sometimes, very serious illnesses such as sepsis, pneumonia or bone infections. 

There has been an increase in cases this year across Hull and East Yorkshire, particularly in children under 10.

Nationally, 16 children have died after contracting Strep A.

Dr James Crick, Associate Medical Director at Hull Health and Care Partnership, said: “Group A Strep is usually something that is present and nothing to worry about; however, what it can do is sometimes cause scarlet fever, which is a common childhood infection that can be treated with antibiotics and needs little medical assistance.

“The symptoms of scarlet fever include a sore throat, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting and a pinkish or red body rash, with a sandpapery feel. On darker skin, the rash can be more difficult to detect visually, but will have the same sandpapery feel to the touch.

“If your child has those symptoms, the best thing to do is seek medical attention by contacting your GP or NHS 111, as early treatment with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications, such as pneumonia or a bloodstream infection.”

Strep A bacteria usually only causes a mild infection, causing a sore throat or scarlet fever that can be easily treated with antibiotics. However, these bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause serious illness, called invasive Group A Strep (iGAS).

As well as an increase in notifications of scarlet fever, which is above the levels normally seen at this time of year, the Public Health Agency is also aware of a higher number of cases of iGAS being reported across the UK.

While iGAS is still uncommon, parents are being advised to be on the lookout for symptoms of illnesses caused by Strep A bacteria and to seek medical advice if needed.

Parents and guardians are advised to contact NHS 111 or their GP if they feel:

• Their child is getting worse

• Their child is eating of feeding much less than normal

• Their baby has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more, or shows other signs of dehydration

• Their baby is under three-months-old and has a temperature of 38°C, or is older than three-months-old and has a temperature of 39°C or higher

• Their baby feels hotter than usual when they touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty

• Their child is very tired or irritable

Parents and guardians should call 999 or go to the emergency department if:

• Their child is having difficulty breathing

• There are pauses when their child breathes

• Their child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue

• Their child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake

Dr Crick added: “Please don’t put off seeking medical help if your child continues to get worse and, if your child is experiencing any of the signs relating to difficulties with breathing or experience blue lips or skin, call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately.

“Although scarlet fever mainly affects children under 10, people of any age can get it. Strep A infections are spread by close contact with an infected person and can be passed on through coughs and sneezes.

“Please practice good hand hygiene and remember to always, catch it (always cough or sneeze into a tissue), bin it (always throw the used tissue in a bin) and kill it (always wash your hands with soap and water).”

For further information, visit www.nhs.uk/Strep-A