THREE scarlet fever infections were reported in Buckinghamshire last week, while one person had mumps.

Weekly data released by the UK Health Security Agency’s statutory notification of infectious diseases in the country showed how many people in Buckinghamshire had contracted diseases during the week ending December 18.

There were 1418 cases of scarlet fever in the whole of South East, with three of those in Buckinghamshire.

Two people in Aylesbury Vale had scarlet fever, and one case in South Bucks area.

Neighbouring Reading Unitary Authority area had five cases of scarlet fever, and Windsor and Maidenhead six during last week.

Last week’s infection figures come after the devastating deaths of 16 children under 18 in England after contracting Strep A infection.

Strep A, or Group A streptococcus, can cause scarlet fever, throat infections, and in rare cases, an invasive form of the disease.

Usually, the mild form of infection can be treated with antibiotics, and only rarely the bacteria manages to get into the bloodstream and cause invasive Group A strep (iGAS).

On November 14 a family was left heartbroken after four-year-old Muhammad Ibrahim Ali at his home in High Wycombe following a cardiac arrest caused by iGAS infection.

What is Strep A?

Group A streptococcus (or Strep A) is known to cause scarlet fever, throat infections and, in very rare cases, invasive disease.

This can occur when bacteria get into parts of the body where bacteria are not usually found, such as the blood, muscle or the lungs.

It can happen if the bacteria get past a person’s defences, such as through an open wound or when a person’s immune system is depleted.

Strep A symptoms

The bacteria can be found in the throat and on the skin and people may carry it without displaying any symptoms.

It can live in throats and on hands for long enough to allow easy spread between people through sneezing, kissing and skin contact.

Invasive Strep A can cause further complications.

Symptoms include:

  • high fever
  • severe muscle aches
  • localised muscle tenderness
  • redness at site of a wound

Dr Yimmy Chow, health protection consultant at UKHSA London, said: “Group A streptococcal infections usually result in mild illness, and information has been shared with parents and staff about the signs and symptoms.

“These include a sore throat, fever and minor skin infections, and can be treated with a full course of antibiotics from the GP. In rare incidences, it can be a severe illness and anyone with high fever, severe muscle aches, pain in one area of the body and unexplained vomiting or diarrhoea should call NHS 111 and seek medical help immediately.”

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