Ashford bacteria outbreak: Child recovering after Strep A kills one - BBC

A child taken to hospital after being infected in a bacteria outbreak at a Surrey primary school is showing signs of recovery, parents have been told.

Another pupil, believed to be aged six, has died after catching the invasive group A streptococcal infection.

Health officers recommended antibiotics for the year group at Ashford Church of England School as a precaution.

A school email to parents said a second child had the same illness but was showing "positive signs".

The BBC was told some parents had not sent their children to the school on Friday amid claims it had not been deep cleaned.

SCC said health officials had said a deep clean was not necessary but the school was arranging one this weekend as a precaution.

Dr Claire Winslade, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) health protection consultant, confirmed that a child had died and said: "As a precautionary measure, we have recommended antibiotics to pupils and staff in the same year groups as the individuals affected.

The UKHSA said officials contacted parents at the school on Wednesday with letters for parents whose children were eligible for antibiotics and a separate letter for parents of other year groups, who were not.

An email from the school to parents said: "It is with the deepest regret and sadness that I have to inform you that a child in Tiger class, year one, has sadly died after developing invasive Group A streptococcal (IGAS).