What is strep A and what are the symptoms? - BBC

Health officials say parents should be aware of an infection called strep A, after children in the UK died from it.

While most people do not get extremely sick, the highly contagious bacterium that causes the infection can cause serious illness and complications.

Most often, symptoms are mild - a sore throat or a skin infection that can be easily treated with antibiotics.

But strep A can cause a range of things - and some of them are more serious.

This is so they can be treated quickly and possible outbreaks brought under control.

On darker skin the rash can be more difficult to detect visually but will have a sandpapery feel.

Very rarely, strep A can also cause something called invasive group A streptococcal infection or iGAS.

If you think your child may have any symptoms from strep A then you should speak with your doctor.

Tell them if you have been in contact with someone who has had strep A recently.

Strep A is treated with antibiotics.

London child dies with Strep A bacterial disease.

Primary school pupil dies after catching disease