Death toll from Strep A rises to 97 in the United Kingdom

A total of 97 deaths from Strep A have been recorded in the United Kingdom. 24 of these were children, 21 in England, two in Wales and one in Northern Ireland, according to the agency

Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a bacteria that can cause infectious diseases such as Group A streptococcal infection (often shortened to Strep A) and scarlet fever.

It has been estimated that GAS infections can cause over 500,000 deaths per year.

In very rare occasions, GAS can get into the bloodstream and cause an illness called invasive group A strep (iGAS) which can be very serious, particularly in older, younger, and more vulnerable groups. (ILKHA)