Illness that killed young pupil not detected outside Surrey school
Health bosses have confirmed no cases of severe disease iGAS have been detected outside of Ashford C of E Primary School
No cases of a severe disease that killed a school boy in Surrey have been detected in any other schools, the UK Health Security Agency has confirmed.
There were two cases of iGAS (invasive Group A Streptococcus) infections at Ashford Church of England Primary School last week.
The UKHSA says it has received a number of enquiries from schools regarding scarlet fever cases, which is a different disease, and are providing routine communications to share with their school communities advising on symptoms, the importance of staying away from school if unwell and when to seek medical advice.
Scarlet fever is a relatively common infection predominantly affecting young children. It is usually a mild illness which can be treated with antibiotics. The same bacteria can also cause other illnesses such as ‘strep throat’ or impetigo.
Very rarely however Group A streptococcus infection can result in more severe illness such as invasive Group A strep (iGAS).
Dr Rachel Pudney, health protection consultant at UKHSA South East, said:
“We are aware that scarlet fever and a number of other infections are circulating in schools, as is typical at this time of year.
"We are providing advice to schools to help prevent further cases and information has been shared with parents and staff about the signs and symptoms of scarlet fever. These can be flu-like symptoms, including a high temperature, a sore throat, and swollen neck glands.
"A rash appears 12 to 48 hours later, which looks like small, raised bumps and starts on the chest and tummy, then spreads.
“Contact your GP if your child has symptoms of scarlet fever and please ensure that children stay off school if they’re unwell to help minimise the spread of infections.”