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Strep A: Fourth child dies from bacterial disease Strep A: Fourth child dies from bacterial disease
(31 minutes later)
The child went to St John's in EalingThe child went to St John's in Ealing
A fourth child has died after contracting Strep A, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed.A fourth child has died after contracting Strep A, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed.
The latest death from the bacterial disease was of a child who attended St John's School in Ealing, west London. The latest death was of a child with an invasive bacterial infection who attended St John's School in Ealing, west London.
It follows the deaths of two others from primary schools in Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, and in Ashford, Surrey.
It has also been confirmed a boy aged four from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire died with Strep A last month.It has also been confirmed a boy aged four from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire died with Strep A last month.
The two other children to have died were primary school pupils in Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, and in Ashford, Surrey. On Friday, he was named locally as Muhammad Ibrahim Ali, who attended Oakridge School and nursery.
The Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infection can cause scarlet fever. A statement from his school said he would be missed "terribly".
However, the UKHSA told the BBC it was important people understand scarlet fever is a mild illness and the GAS bacteria which causes it only rarely becomes invasive, leading to serious illness. It read: "He had lots of energy and was always active. He particularly loved being outdoors in forest school.
The UKHSA said it was working with Ealing Council to provide public health advice and support to the school. "Ibrahim was kind and loved to help his friends. He was constantly smiling. We are one big family at Oakridge and will miss him terribly.
"The school has been working closely with the (UK) Health Security Agency, who have done a thorough risk assessment of the school, and we have been following their advice in order to keep everyone safe.
"We are advising parents to monitor their children for symptoms and to go to the GP if worried. We have deep cleaned the classrooms."
Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infection can cause scarlet fever.
However, the UKHSA told the BBC it was important people understand scarlet fever is a mild illness and the GAS bacteria which causes it only rarely becomes invasive, known as invasive Group A Streptococcal (iGAS).
It is this invasive form of the bacterial infection that can lead to serious illness.
The UKHSA said it was working with Ealing Council to provide public health advice and support to the school after the most recent death, which was in the borough.
What is Strep A?What is Strep A?
Group A streptococcal (GAS) infection is caused by strains of the streptococcus pyogenes bacteriumGroup A streptococcal (GAS) infection is caused by strains of the streptococcus pyogenes bacterium
The bacteria can live on hands or the throat for long enough to allow easy spread between people through sneezing, kissing and skin contactThe bacteria can live on hands or the throat for long enough to allow easy spread between people through sneezing, kissing and skin contact
Most infections cause mild illnesses such as "strep throat", scarlet fever or skin infectionsMost infections cause mild illnesses such as "strep throat", scarlet fever or skin infections
The bacteria rarely infects healthy people but if it does get into the body, causing serious and even life-threatening conditions it is known as invasive GAS (iGAS).The bacteria rarely infects healthy people but if it does get into the body, causing serious and even life-threatening conditions it is known as invasive GAS (iGAS).
You can read more about Strep A here.You can read more about Strep A here.
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.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.""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."
Strep A: Why it can be dangerous and what to knowStrep A: Why it can be dangerous and what to know
The UKHSA said the symptoms of Group A streptococcal infection include a sore throat, fever and minor skin infections, and can be treated with a full course of antibiotics prescribed by a GP.The UKHSA said the symptoms of Group A streptococcal infection include a sore throat, fever and minor skin infections, and can be treated with a full course of antibiotics prescribed by 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," Dr Chow added."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," Dr Chow added.
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