Antibiotics can be distributed as a general preventative measure in primary schools where cases of streptococcus A infection have been reported, as eight children have now been determined to have died from the outbreak.
In the highly unusual case, penicillin or an alternative antibiotic would be given to all children in an infected cohort, even if they were asymptomatic.
The plan was unveiled by a government minister as officials tried to build a line of defense against the infection, resulting in a fourfold increase in cases.
The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that the death of a 12-year-old boy in Lewisham, southeast London, was due to streptococcus A infection, while a child who attended a primary school in Waterlooville, Hampshire, also died of infection. This brings the total number of deaths in England and Wales to eight.
Senior health officials said on Monday that the decline in impurities among children during the pandemic may have contributed to their reduced immunity to Streptococcus A bacteria.
Responding to a burning question about the outbreak in the Lords, Health Secretary Lord Markham said the government was urging doctors to prescribe penicillin “actively” and antibiotics could also be distributed to primary schools “prophylactically”, i.e. as a preventive measure.
Doctors generally do not approve of mass prescribing of antibiotics if it creates population resistance to serious infections.
But health officials have confirmed that the plan is part of the guidance for local outbreak response teams and that antibiotics can be given to entire groups on a case-by-case basis.
Lord Markham said: “We have advised physicians to be proactive in prescribing penicillin as the best line of defense where appropriate, and also where there is distribution in primary schools, which we know is the main vector for it. or they must work with local health teams and sometimes even take preventive measures regarding the use of antibiotics.”
All first and second year children at Ashford Church of England School in Surrey were given antibiotics last month after the death of a one-year-old girl from Streptococcus A, one of the first deaths in the current outbreak.
The last confirmed deaths were of a 12-year-old boy in his eighth year at Colfe School in Lewisham and a child at Morelands Primary School in Waterlooville, Hampshire.
Richard Russell, Principal of Kolfe School, said: “This completely unexpected tragedy affects all members of the school community, including students, parents and staff.
“We do everything in our power to support the student’s family as they grieve their devastating loss.”
UKHSA provides advice and support to the school on public health issues.
Alison Cyred-Paul, Principal of Morelands Primary School, said: “Unfortunately, in the past few days we have learned of the death of a child attending our school who was also diagnosed with invasive group A streptococcal disease (iGAS).
“We are absolutely devastated by the loss of one of our young students and offer our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the child’s family at this extremely sad time.”
Although streptococcus A is a very common bacterium, it can cause the more serious invasive group A streptococcal infection (iGAS) and, in some cases, scarlet fever.
Louise Bishop, UKHSA Health Adviser in London, said: “Our thoughts are with family, friends and the school community following the sad death of a child who attended Kolf’s school.
“We have put in place precautions at the school to prevent further cases and continue to monitor the situation closely.
“Group A streptococcal infections usually result in mild illness, and information about signs and symptoms has been communicated to parents and staff. These include a sore throat, fever, and minor skin infections, and can be treated by a healthcare provider with a full course of antibiotics.
“In rare cases, a serious invasive infection called iGAS can occur. Anyone with a high fever, severe muscle pain, severe pain or swelling of the skin, and unexplained vomiting or diarrhea should call NHS 111 and see a doctor immediately.
In the Lords, Health Minister Lord Markham suggested that parents take their children to the emergency room if they are concerned about possible Strep A symptoms as they fear the NHS 111 emergency line is not responding quickly enough after hours.
He said “This is personal advice, but if you don’t have an answer [from 111] and they’re worried about their child, in fact, they’re probably better and faster at driving if they can.”
Dr Susan Hopkins, UKHSA Senior Medical Adviser, told BBC Radio 4. Today A program in which officials were looking into the possibility of reduced immunity in children due to the Covid lockdown.
She said: “We assume that a certain number of children will contract these infections each year and therefore they will have a certain level of immunity. Thus, now we are seeing more than in the last two years, when there were very, very few cases of infection.
Source: I News
I’m Raymond Molina, a professional writer and journalist with over 5 years of experience in the media industry. I currently work for 24 News Reporters, where I write for the health section of their news website. In my role, I am responsible for researching and writing stories on current health trends and issues. My articles are often seen as thought-provoking pieces that provide valuable insight into the state of society’s wellbeing.