Two children aged under 10 in Scotland have died with Strep A infection since October 3rd, Public Health Scotland has said.
The agency said it is aware of seven deaths among invasive group A streptococcal infections (iGAS) cases between October 3rd and December 25th.
Two of the deaths were in children under 10.
Infections caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS) include the skin infection impetigo, scarlet fever and strep throat.
Thankfully most cases of Strep A present as mild illness & can be treated with antibiotics. Working with UK Govt to ensure adequate supplies. Where localised shortages of first line treatments occur there are alternative & effective antibiotics available.https://t.co/euKM5A9SGR
Advertisement— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) December 28, 2022
While the vast majority of infections are relatively mild, sometimes the bacteria cause iGAS, a life-threatening infection in which the bacteria has invaded parts of the body such as the blood, deep muscle or lungs.
Scotland’s health secretary Humza Yousaf tweeted: “Every death is a tragedy, particularly those of young children, my thoughts with families & loved ones affected.”
He added: “Thankfully most cases of Strep A present as mild illness & can be treated with antibiotics. Working with UK Govt to ensure adequate supplies.
“Where localised shortages of first line treatments occur there are alternative & effective antibiotics available.”
Most Strep A infections are relatively mild and clear up on their own without the need for antibiotics. Speak to your GP or call 111 if your child’s symptoms are getting worse. Always call 999 in an emergency.
For more information, visit: https://t.co/707spBTygy pic.twitter.com/b1BDZ8Uq4b— Public Health Scotland (@P_H_S_Official) December 22, 2022
PHS said that in the week ending December 25th there were 869 laboratory reports of Group A Streptococcus (GAS), a reduction from 1,079 the previous week.
This compares with between 300 and 480 reports per week during peaks observed in the period since 2016.
The PHS report said: “Although increases in GAS were reported in recent weeks in Scotland, iGAS infections levels for 2022 have been generally stable and similar to previous years.”
In the week ending December 25th there were 15 iGAS cases reported across all age groups, compared with 13 in the previous week.
This compares with between 12 and 18 cases per week during peaks observed in previous years.
Data from the beginning of October to December 25th, 2022 show that PHS has received reports of 20 iGAS cases in children under 10.
