Council warning for parents in Brighton to know strep A symptoms

Brighton and Hove City Council issued a statement today following the recent deaths of nine children in the UK.

The council said: “We know that across the country there are more cases of scarlet fever than would normally be seen at this time of year.

“Scarlet fever is a common childhood infection caused by group A streptococcus (GAS).

• READ MORE: Mother who feared daughter would die of strep A warns parents to be alert

“We have written to parents and carers to share more information, including symptoms to look out for and advice about what to do.

“Parents and carers should familiarise themselves with the symptoms and if they suspect scarlet fever should contact NHS 111 or their GP surgery.”

“In very rare cases, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause an illness called invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS).

UKHSA say there is no evidence that a new strain is circulating (Image: PA)

"Our letter to parents also includes details of the actions they need to take if they display the symptoms described.”

The symptoms of strep throat include a sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, red and swollen tonsils, severe muscle aches, petechiae, which are tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth and swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck.

Symptoms typically do not include a cough, runny nose, hoarseness or conjunctivitis which is more likely from a virus.