UNIVERSITY Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) have issued advice on what to do if youngsters exhibit Strep A symptoms after seeing ‘more children than usual’ in its urgent and emergency departments.
Strep A is a common bacteria, but it can become invasive when it spreads into the lungs or bloodstream and can cause serious infections or even be fatal.
While uncommon, there has been an increase in cases this year for children under 10 as well as a small number some deaths.
It causes infections in the skin and is responsible for tonsillitis, pharyngitis, Scarlett fever, impetigo and cellulitis.
The first signs of scarlet fever can be flu-like symptoms, including a high temperature, a sore throat and swollen neck glands, and a rash that can appear between 12 to 48 hours later which feels like sandpaper and spreads quickly.
Investigations are ongoing after the increase in cases although there is currently no evidence of a new strain, with UHCW saying the rise in numbers is likely related to high amounts of circulating bacteria.
Parents should call 999 or go to accident and emergency if their child is having difficulty breathing, if there are pauses when they breathe, if their skin, tongue or lips are blue or if they are struggling to stay awake.
A UHCW spokesperson said: “It’s important parents and carers follow the UK Healthy Security Agency guidance and understand where to seek help depending on the symptoms being exhibited.
“For the more serious symptoms, an emergency department is the correct place, but for the milder symptoms of scarlet fever, please visit NHS111 online or call your GP to help stop the spread of the infection and ensure emergency services are kept for those seriously ill.”
