At least 21 children have died in the UK from group A streptococcal bacteria, according to the latest data and taking into account two deaths in Scotland confirmed this Wednesday by the Scottish Public Health Agency.
A state agency report shows that seven deaths from group A bacterial infection were recorded in Scotland between October 3 and December 25, including two in children under the age of 10.
By adding this data, A total of 21 children in the UK have died from group A invasive streptococcal infection (iGAS), with symptoms including skin infections, scarlet fever and sore throat.
While the vast majority of these infections are relatively mild and can be cured with antibiotics, in rare cases the bacteria cause illness that can be fatal.
In recent months, several European countries have noted an increase in the number of cases of this disease in children under the age of ten, as well as the associated deaths.
Portugal has not recorded any cases of scarlet fever and invasive infection by group A streptococci with a profile similar to that seen in five European countries, according to a note published Dec. 16 by the Directorate General of Health (DGS).
“To date, no cases have been reported in Portugal with a profile similar to those seen in the affected countries,” the DGS wrote.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in mid-December that five countries in the European region – France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom – have recorded an increase in cases of invasive infection by group A streptococci and, in some cases, scarlet fever.
The affected countries and the European Center for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) said there is so far no evidence of a new strain of bacteria circulating, nor an increase in antibiotic resistance to the drug.
They also stated that affected countries should maintain usual clinical and public health approaches to these types of infections.
Group A streptococcal infections usually affect the population, especially the pediatric population, during the winter and early spring months.
Source: DN
