Third primary school pupil dies of Strep A

A third child has died from Strep A, the UK Health Security Agency has confirmed.

The latest death was of a child who attended St John’s School in Ealing, west London.

It comes after it was announced yesterday that a child in Wales died with the disease, and last month another child died of the infection at a primary school in Surrey.

The disease, Group A streptococcal (iGAS), causes scarlet fever.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA ) said it is working with Ealing Council to provide public health advice and support to the school.

Dr Yimmy Chow, health protection consultant at UKHSA London, said: “We are extremely saddened to hear about the death of a child at St John’s Primary School, and our thoughts are with their family, friends and the school community.

“Working with Ealing Council public health team, we have provided precautionary advice to the school community to help prevent further cases and we continue to monitor the situation closely.”

The UKHSA said Group A streptococcal infections usually result in mild illness. Symptoms includes a sore throat, fever and minor skin infections, and can be treated with a full course of antibiotics from a GP.

“In rare incidences, it can be a severe illness and anyone with high fever, severe muscle aches, pain in one area of the body and unexplained vomiting or diarrhoea should call NHS 111 and seek medical help immediately,” Mr Chow added.