Strep A Cases – How Serious Is This To My Child’s Health?

Since last year, there has been a nationwide increase in the number of children contracting Strep A, which has, in a small number of cases, led to children tragically dying (see cases here and here).

What is Strep A?

Strep A is a common bacterium, with most infections typically being mild and easily treated. It can be easily passed from person to person, e.g. close contact with someone coughing or sneezing or by touching a wound.

Common symptoms of Strep A are as follows:

Whilst the illness is typically mild and easily treated with antibiotics at home, some cases are more serious and can lead to more severe medical issues.

Rare but serious complications of Strep A

Invasive Group A Strep (iGAS)

Invasive Strep A occurs when bacteria enter into parts of the body where it cannot usually be seen, such as the blood, muscles, or lungs – this is where it can become fatal. Although deaths as a result of Invasive Strep A are rare, there has been a steady rise in the number of those contracting Invasive Strep A this year, particularly in children under the age of 10.

The UK Health Security Agency has reported that so far this season there have been:

The UK Health Security Agency has also reported that the number of weekly notifications of Invasive Strep A in children has lowered but in older age groups, primarily those over 65 years old, the number of infections has not slowed at the same rate. The majority of Invasive Strep A cases are typically seen in those over 45 years of age, as was the case with previous seasons.

Current guidance from the NHS states that medical advice should be sought by either contacting NHS 111 or a GP as soon as any symptoms are noted. By treating the condition with antibiotics as early as possible, it should help reduce the risk of complications which could potentially lead to a more serious infection.

People with chronic illnesses and suppressed/weaker immune systems, and those who take medications, such as steroids, are at a greater risk of contracting Invasive Strep A. Additionally, breaks in the skin, like cuts, wounds, or chickenpox may provide an opportunity for the Strep A bacteria to enter the body.

Sepsis

Sepsis is another rare but serious condition that can stem from Strep A and Invasive Strep A.

Sepsis causes the immune system to go into overdrive as it’s the body’s extreme reaction to an infection and in many cases can lead to a person dying. The UK Sepsis Trust says at least 48,000 people that die in the UK annually are related to sepsis.

It was recently reported that a young girl has been fighting for her life after suspected Strep A turned into a ‘flesh-eating disease’. It was believed the infection had entered her body through a chickenpox sore. The young girl went into a coma and was having to have breathing support. Unfortunately, she contracted sepsis and after recovering had to visit the hospital’s burn unit to protect her wound.

Comment

Whilst Strep A infections are typically mild and easily treatable, the rise in the number of cases in children is a concern for many persons with childcare responsibilities, so it is important to raise awareness of the condition.

The early detection and timely administration of appropriate antibiotics are the most important factors in improving the outcome of patients with Strep A. Unfortunately, patients are often misdiagnosed with flu and turned away without a correct diagnosis and treatment.

If you or a family member has been affected by a delayed diagnosis then please get in touch with our expert medical negligence team.