A school pupil in Sussex has died after suffering a suspected infection from the invasive strain of Strep A.
The UK Health Security Agency said the boy attended Hove Park School and UKHSA specialists are working with the council following the death.
Dr Rachael Hornigold, Health Protection Consultant at UKHSA South East, said: “We are extremely saddened to hear of the death of a young child and our thoughts are with his family, friends and the local community.
“Infection with Group A Streptococcus bacteria usually cause a sore throat, scarlet fever, or rash, and are spread by physical contact or through droplets from sneezing or coughing.
“In very rare cases, the infection can become invasive and enter parts of the body where the bacteria are not normally found, which can be serious.
“We will implement public health actions, including advice to the city council and the school community.”
The boy is the 16th to die in the UK since September after contracting Strep A.
On Thursday, the UKSHA said the number of deaths in the UK had raised to 15. the death of a 4 year old in Ireland it has also been linked to an invasive form of Strep A.
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Some pharmacies in England may see shortages of Strep A antibiotics
The boy’s age and gender were not released; however, Hove Park School is a secondary school, meaning the child would be over 11 years of age.
An 8-year-old boy in London was the first high school boy to die of strep A earlier this week.
Alistair Hill, director of public health for Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “We are working with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Hove Park School following the death of a pupil attending the school.
“We offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and entire school community, who will be deeply affected by the tragic loss of this young child, and we offer our support at this incredibly sad time.
“While we cannot comment on individual cases, we ask that the family’s privacy be respected.
“As a precaution, we have also been working closely with the school to educate parents and caregivers about the signs and symptoms of group A strep infections, and what to do if a child develops them, including group A strep disease. Invasive A (iGAS ).”
The UKHSA has said that there are there is no current evidence that a new strain of Strep A is circulating and the increase in cases is probably due to the large number of circulating bacteria and increased social mixing.
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Pharmacists have rejected government claims that the UK has a good supply of antibiotics.
England’s chief pharmaceutical officer has admitted that local pharmacies may be in short supply of some antibiotics to treat strep A infections.
But David Webb also said “sufficient” stocks were in stock nationally as he tried to reassure parents concerned about the current outbreak.
