A WORCESTER GP has outlined some of the Strep A symptoms to look for after six children have died from the disease this year. 

Jason Seewoodhary, a Worcester GP now based at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said Strep A has been given more opportunity to spread after Covid restrictions were eased. 

In most cases, Strep A causes a mild infection which includes a sore throat and can be treated successfully with antibiotics. 

Mr Seewoodhary said most patient symptoms are mild and include a sore throat, coughing and sneezing.  

He said: "Strep A is a bacteria sometimes found in the throat or on the skin.

"Strep A can cause scarlet fever characterised by a skin rash that feels like sandpaper, flu-like symptoms, fever, sore throat, a “strawberry appearance” to the tongue, and swollen neck glands.

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Mr Seewoodhary added: "Many people carry it harmlessly without even knowing, but they can spread it to others who can become unwell.

"This is a notifiable disease and requires urgent medical attention and prompt treatment with antibiotics.

"Very rarely, Strep A can also cause something called invasive group A streptococcal infection or iGAS.

"Invasive disease happens when the bacteria gets past your body's immune defences. This can happen when you are already ill or are on treatments, such chemotherapy, which weakens your immune system.

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"Warning signs of the invasive disease include a fever with a temperature above 38 degrees and muscle aches. 

"The UK Health Security Agency advises: "Anyone with high fever, severe muscle aches, pain in one area of the body and unexplained vomiting or diarrhoea should call NHS 111 and seek medical help immediately."

Mr Seewoodhary is now urging people to visit their GP if they think they are experiencing Strep A symptoms. 

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Strep A is treated with antibiotics - there is no vaccine. 

He added: "Complications of Strep A infection include arthritis and damage to the kidneys and heart hence early effective treatment is essential to reduce the risk of this."