Group A streptococcus

What you need to know

Dear patients, 

Many of you will be aware that there has been a rise in Group A streptococcus (GAS) cases this year. Group A Strep is a common bacteria which causes a range of infections including scarlet fever. GAS infections cause various symptoms such as sore throat, fever, chills and muscle aches. These infections are usually mild.

It can also cause a rare, more serious infection called Invasive Group A Strep (iGAS). Whilst iGAS infections are still uncommon, there has been an increase in cases this year, particularly in children under 10 and sadly, a small number of deaths. Some current cases are presenting with sepsis-like symptoms:

• Blue, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on darker skin check for blueeness on the lips, tongue or gums, under the nails or around the eyes. 
• Rash that doesn’t fade when you roll a glass over it 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Weak high-pitched cry – not like their normal cry 
• Not responding like normal, not interested in feeding or normal activities 
• Being sleepier than normal or difficult to wake

Contact NHS 111 or your GP if:

• your child is getting worse 
• your child is feeding or eating much less than normal 
• your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration 
• your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38C, or is 3 to 6 months and has a temperature of 39C or higher 
• your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty 
• your child is very tired or irritable 

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

• your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs 
• there are pauses when your child breathes 
• your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue 
• your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake

The UK Health Security Agency has more information:

• Group A Strep - What you need to know - UK Health Security Agency

Published: Dec 13, 2022