“While still uncommon, there has been an increase in invasive Group A strep cases this year, particularly in children under 10,” the UK Health Security Agency said in a statement. 

The agency noted that investigations were also underway following reports of an increase in lower respiratory tract Group A strep infections in children over the past few weeks, which have caused severe illness.

Group A streptococcal bacteria cause diseases ranging from a streptococcal sore throat (strep throat) to necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease). They can also cause scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, puerperal fever, and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. (ILKHA)