There have been five recorded deaths within seven days of an invasive Strep A diagnosis in children under 10 in England this season, the UK Health Security Agency has said.
A child under the age of 10 has also died in Wales after contracting the infection.
The agency also said the latest data shows cases of scarlet fever, which is caused by Strep A, “continue to remain higher than we would typically see at this time of year”.
They said there were 851 cases reported in the latest week available, compared to an average of 186 for the preceding years.
The UKHSA said investigations are under way 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.
Earlier Sky News confirmed the death of Muhammad Ibrahim Ali, who was four, following an announcement by his school in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, on 17 November.
Health officials have now confirmed that he had invasive Group A streptococcus (iGas).
He was described as a “wonderful, kind, smiley and energetic boy” on a JustGiving page set up in his memory.
Dr Jill Morris, health protection consultant at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “This is a tragic case and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the individual at this very sad time.
“We have provided advice to the school and nursery to help prevent further cases and will continue to monitor the situation.”
Earlier today, the death of a child in Ealing, west London, was confirmed by the UKHSA as another case of iGAS.
Dr Yimmy Chow, health protection consultant at the UKHSA, said: “We are extremely saddened to hear about the death of a child at St John’s Primary School, and our thoughts are with their family, friends and the school community.
“Working with Ealing Council public health team, we have provided precautionary advice to the school community to help prevent further cases and we continue to monitor the situation closely.”
Read more:
What is Strep A and what are the symptoms of the bacterial infection?
Two other schoolchildren have died from the infection in the past seven days.
One was a pupil at a primary school near Cardiff.
Health officials announced their death on Thursday.
Last Friday, a six-year-old child died after an outbreak at Ashford Church of England School in Surrey.
Officials are understood to have seen a slight rise in cases of Strep A, which can cause scarlet fever, though deaths and serious complications from the infection are rare.
Dr Chow said: “Group A streptococcal infections usually result in mild illness, and information has been shared with parents and staff about the signs and symptoms.
“These include a sore throat, fever and minor skin infections and can be treated with a full course of antibiotics from the GP.
“In rare incidences, it can be a severe illness and 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.”
Strep A can be spread through coughs, sneezes and skin-to-skin contact. People over 65, those who have HIV, use steroids or other drugs, or suffer from diabetes, heart disease or cancer are most at risk of catching the infection.
The UKHSA has said that the number of Strep A cases in the UK is higher than expected for this time of year.
They have suggested that the increase in cases is likely the result of the withdrawal of measures implemented during the COVID pandemic.
The UKHSA advises those who come down with the illness exclude themselves from nursery, school or work for at least 24 hours after they start antibiotic treatment.