Infections caused by strep A bacteria have caused the deaths of at least six children in recent weeks, according to the UK government.
Investigations are underway following reports of an increase in lower respiratory tract Group A strep infections in children over the past few weeks, which have caused severe illness.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s official spokesman said, “We are seeing a higher number of cases of Group A strep this year compared to usual.”
Scarlet fever is caused by bacteria called Group A streptococci, which also causes other respiratory and skin infections such as strep throat and impetigo. On some occasions, it can get into the bloodstream and cause an illness called invasive Group A strep (iGAS)….