London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Sunday, Jan 26, 2025

Hove secondary school pupil dies with suspected strep A

Hove secondary school pupil dies with suspected strep A

A secondary school pupil has died with suspected strep A in East Sussex, officials have said.

The child attended Hove Park School in Hove, a joint statement from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Brighton & Hove City Council said.

As of Thursday, 15 UK children had died after invasive strep A infections since September.

The death of the pupil in Brighton with suspected strep A brings that number to 16.

Most strep A infections are mild, but more severe invasive cases - while still rare - are rising.

Public health officials in Brighton and Hove said they were working with the school to raise awareness among parents about the signs of strep A infections and what to do if a child develops them.

The age and gender of the child have not been disclosed.

Dr Rachael Hornigold, consultant in health protection at UKHSA South East, said: "We are extremely saddened to hear about the death of a young child, and our thoughts are with their family, friends and the local community."

Alistair Hill, director of Public Health at Brighton & Hove City Council, said: "We are working with the UK Health Security Agency and Hove Park School following the death of a pupil who attended the school.

"We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and the whole school community who will all be deeply affected by the very tragic loss of this young child, and we are providing our support to them at this incredibly sad time."

Normally, mild strep A infections cause symptoms like a sore throat or skin infections.

The bug can also cause scarlet fever - with a sore throat, skin rash that feels like sandpaper, a high temperature and a so-called "strawberry tongue".

It is treated with antibiotics which may also help reduce the risk of complications and spread of the bug.


What is strep A?

*  Group A streptococcal (GAS) infection is caused by strains of the streptococcus pyogenes bacterium

*  The bacteria can live on hands or the throat for long enough to allow easy spread between people through sneezing, kissing and skin contact

*  Most infections cause mild illnesses such as "strep throat" or skin infections

*  It can also cause scarlet fever and in the majority of cases this clears up with antibiotics

*  On rare occasions the bacteria can get deeper into the body - including infecting the lungs and bloodstream. It is known as invasive GAS (iGAS) and needs urgent treatment as this can be serious and life-threatening

Data as of Thursday from the UKHSA showed 13 children aged under 15 had died in England since September.

Two other deaths of children had been recorded in Belfast and Wales, taking the UK total to 15 at that point.

Mr Hill said that contracting strep A from another person was "very rare" and most people who come into contact with strep A infections "remain well and symptom-free - and therefore there is no reason for children to be kept home if well".

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Key Takeaways from the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos
In the face of significant casualties against Israel, Hamas enlists 15,000 new combatants.
China's DeepSeek AI Innovation Threatens U.S. Supremacy in Artificial Intelligence
Storm Éowyn Brings 'Danger to Life' Warnings Across UK and Ireland
President Trump Orders Declassification of JFK, RFK, and MLK Assassination Records
President Trump Signs Executive Order to Bolster U.S. AI Leadership
Germany’s Democracy Under Strain: Political Labeling Sparks Free Speech Concerns
The Trump Era 2: A Time of Dramatic and Profound Change
BlackRock CEO Larry Fink Suggests Bitcoin Could Reach $700,000 with Increased Institutional Investment
Leaked Documents Reveal Google's Collaboration with Israeli Defense Forces During Gaza Conflict
Trump to Announce $500 Billion AI Infrastructure Investment
Dear President Donald Trump, I want to assure you that this fraud does NOT reflect the opinions of the majority of decent British citizens.
Olaf Scholz vs. Elon Musk: A Battle Over Common Sense, Which Scholz Appears to Be Missing
EU’s Overregulation Drives Innovation Collapse and Brain Drain
Five Billionaires on Track to Break One Trillion Dollar Wealth Barrier
TikTok Restored in the U.S. Following Trump inauguration
Bill Ackman Praises Social Media Platform X as 'The New Media'
Argentina Achieves Record Trade Surplus in 2024 Under President Milei
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni Proposes Rome as European Union Capital
France Urges EU to Act on Musk's Political Influence as Tensions Rise
Former Special Forces Blast Defense Ministry for Revealing Sensitive Details
Celebrity Responses to California Wildfires: Charity, Criticism, and Controversy
The Wildfires of Los Angeles: A Devastating Impact on Celebrities and California's Leadership
Tragic Loss: Teenager's Death Sparks Community Reflection in Bedford and London
UK Government Proposes Cap on Resale Ticket Prices to Combat Touts
Greenland's Future Caught in Diplomatic Crossfire Between Trump and Europe
EU Prepared to Lead Support for Ukraine Amid US Uncertainty, Says Estonian Prime Minister
Brompton E-Bike Component Diverted to UK Military Drone Production, Causes Delays
Romanian Gang Convicted of Human Trafficking and Exploitation in Dundee
Persistent Cold Snap Grips the UK: Severe Frost and Snow Disrupt Daily Life
Germany Faces Alarming Rise in Homelessness, New Report Shows
China’s Appetite for Salmon: A Game Changer in Global Seafood Markets
Russian Bots Allegedly Amplified NATO Critic Prior to Croatian Election, Researchers Reveal
Armenia Considers EU Membership Referendum Amid Strained Ties with Russia
French Finance Minister Explores Pension Reform Compromise to Secure Budget Agreement
Armenia Considers EU Referendum Amid Growing Rift with Russia
New Wildfire Ignites in Los Angeles as Region Battles Devastating Blazes
The Espionage Unraveled: A Russian Spy Network's Intricacies in the UK
U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Trump's Bid to Delay Sentencing in Hush Money Case
UK Financial Markets Remain Calm Amid Rising Government Borrowing Costs
Stellantis Achieves UK Electric Vehicle Sales Mandate Amid Factory Closure
TikTok Faces Potential Ban in the United States Amid Security Concerns
Pound Plummets to 14-Month Low Amid Concerns Over UK Borrowing Costs
Tensions Rise Over Planned Pro-Palestinian March in London
Bomb Scare in Central London: Abandoned Car Sparks Panic Near Regent Street
Police Seek Suspect in Antisemitic Incident at Liverpool Street Station
Regulatory Reprimand for London Charity Over Fundraising for Israeli Soldier
The Duchess of Sussex Mourns Devastating Loss of Beloved Rescue Dog
From Chairman to Controversial Politician: Rupert Lowe's Journeys in Business and Politics
Metropolitan Police Halts Pro-Palestine March Near BBC Due to Proximity to Synagogue
×