4th child dies from Strep A bacterial infection in UK

LONDON

Another child has died from a Strep A bacterial infection on Friday, making him the fourth to die from the illness in the past week.

The four-year-old Muhammad Ibrahim Ali had died on Nov. 17, his school in Buckinghamshire said.

Today, it was confirmed by health officials that he had died from invasive Group A streptococcus.

Earlier today, health officials also confirmed that another child in west London had died from the illness.

Two other schoolchildren have also died from infection over the past week: one a primary school student near Cardiff, and the other a six-year-old from Surrey.

Strep A can be spread through coughs and sneezes as well as skin-to-skin contact. Deaths from the infection are rare.

Over-65s, those with HIV or diabetes, as well as those suffering from heart disease or cancer, are most at risk.

The UK Health Security Agency said the number of Strep A cases are higher than expected for this time of year, with the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions thought to be related to the spike in cases.

Dr. Jimmy Chow, health protection consultant at UKHSA, said: “Group A streptococcal infections usually result in mild illness, and information has been shared with parents and staff about the signs and symptoms.

“These include a sore throat, fever and minor skin infections and can be treated with a full course of antibiotics from the GP. In rare incidences, it can be a severe illness,” Chow said.

He added that anyone with high fever, severe muscle aches, pain in one area of the body and unexplained vomiting or diarrhea should seek medical help immediately.