Please listen up, especially parents, about streptococcus A infections.
Already, six children have sadly lost their lives from this condition and it's important we know what to look out for.
To begin with, it's a bacteria and it can sometimes live on healthy people who carry it unknowingly in the throat of the skin.
Now, streptococcus A infections will commonly cause throat infections.
They can also cause skin infections such as empatigo.
Now, things like scarlet fever can develop and look out for a strawberry tongue.
An important thing that can happen which is rare but is life-threatening is invasive streptococcus A infections and that's what's happened here.
Look out for sore throat and temperatures that persist above 38 degrees as well as muscle aches.
If you have any of these or you notice your child having any of these, please dial 999 or seek medical attention.
I hope this helps.
