There are almost 50 known cases of serious Strep A infections in South West England say figures from figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA).

Strep A or group A streptococcus or GAS is a bacterial infection of the throat or skin which can sometimes cause scarlet fever that has killed several UK children recently.

There are 49 cases of invasive GAS disease, which is a severe and sometimes life-threatening infection, in South West England say UKHSA numbers.

Invasive GAS (iGAS) means the bacteria have invaded parts of the body, such as the blood, deep muscle and fat tissue or the lungs.

However, the UKHSA, which is responsible for protecting the public against infectious diseases, reassured people it is prepared to deal with the cases.

A spokesman for the organisation said: “It’s part of our routine health protection work to support cases of iGAS and other infectious diseases, so while we’re seeing an increase in cases, it’s not unusual for us to respond to cases of this and we work with local authorities, the NHS and other partners in response.”

This is not an unusual number of Strep A infections when compared to other areas of the country at the moment, with the most at 85 in the South East and the least at 26 in the North East of England.

The Agency said it did not have the numbers for Wiltshire specifically.

Schools with Step A cases may be given antibiotics for pupils to take.

Schools minister Nick Gibb said the use of antibiotics is a possibility.

Across the rest of the UK, eight children have died due to complications from Strep A bacterial infections since September.

There were 851 cases of Strep A reported in week 46 of this year, compared to an average of 186 for the preceding years according to the UKHSA.

Children under 10 are the age group hit hardest by the rise in iGAS infections.

So far this season there have been five recorded deaths within seven days of an iGAS diagnosis in children under ten in England. 

UKHSA say currently, there is no evidence that a new strain is circulating. The increase is most likely related to high amounts of circulating bacteria and social mixing.

Contact NHS 111 or your GP if you suspect your child has scarlet fever. 

Click here for government advice on keeping your child safe.