Dr Hilary Jones has explained the 'red flag' symptoms of Strep A infection for parents to look out for
Dr Hilary Jones has explained the "red flag" symptoms of Strep A infection for parents to look out for during an appearance on Good Morning Britain. He stressed that an invasive form of the Strep A bacteria, which is believed to have now caused the deaths of eight children since September, is "a rare disease" but there are signs to keep in mind.
Strep A infections are usually mild and can be easily treated with antibiotics. But they can develop into a more serious invasive Group AStrep infection. Health officials have noticed an increase in iGAS cases this year, particularly in children under 10.However, on GMB today , Dr Hilary stressed to ITV viewers that a deadly infection is still very rare.
"We saw four deaths in 2017, fewer during the pandemic years, eight this year - partly because immunity has gone down - so it's very, very unusual to see such serious illnesses. We're talking about a rate of 2.3 per 100,000 children, so it is rare." He began: "I think the best advice I can give is to be vigilant and look out for the red flag symptoms, which are severe throat with exudations - white spots on the tonsils on the back of the throat." Co-host Susanna Reid then interjected: "Can you see that, as a parent?"
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