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Strep A: Penarth primary school child dies of disease

BBC Victoria Primary SchoolBBC
Public Health Wales wants to raise awareness of invasive Group A Streptococcal disease

A primary school child has died after catching a bacterial disease.

The pupil at Victoria Primary School in Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, died from invasive Group A Streptococcal disease (iGAS), or Strep A.

Parents and guardians of children are being urged to find out the symptoms, and what action to take if needed.

Symptoms include a high temperature above 38C, sore throat, muscle aches, muscle tenderness and redness at the site of a wound.

The child is one of four to have died recently with Strep A, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed.

Last week, a child died and another was taken to hospital after an outbreak of the infection at a primary school in Surrey.

The death of a child who attended St John's School in Ealing, West London, was announced on Friday.

Dr Ardiana Gjini, from Public Health Wales, said it was working closely with the Penarth school to raise awareness about the disease.

'Deepest condolences'

"Although it is unlikely that their child will be affected by iGAS infection, relevant individuals are being advised that they should familiarise themselves with the symptoms and what to do if these symptoms occur," said Dr Gjini.

"Contracting iGAS disease from a contact is very rare.

What is Strep A?

"Most people who come into contact with Group A Streptococcal Infection remain well and symptom-free, or develop mild throat or skin infections.

"We offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and all those affected.

"We ask that the privacy of the family is respected."

Victoria Primary School and Vale of Glamorgan council said: "Earlier this week, it was confirmed that a pupil from Victoria Primary School had tragically passed away after contracting Strep A.

"Both the school and Council would like to pass on their heartfelt condolences to the family at this incredibly difficult time."

They said it was unlikely other pupils would be affected and severe symptoms were extremely rare.

How common is Strep A?

Figures from Public Health Wales showed there were 124 Strep A infections in Wales in 2019, 69 in 2020, and 21 in 2021.

The prevalence rate was highest in the over 70s.