What's causing the surge in severe Strep A and how can I protect my children?

Trust your instincts and remember that one of the best ways to curb circulating respiratory viruses, apart from keeping up to date with flu and covid-19 vaccines, is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and keep away from others when you or your children feel unwell.

Since October of last year there have been 33 deaths from iGAS—12 in children under 18 years and 21 in adults. Of the 12 deaths in children, 10 children were under 10 years old. File photo

The harrowing accounts from parents of young children over the past year who died from invasive Group A streptococcus have focused attention on the potential for rapid and severe disease.

Strep A (Group A Streptococcus) is a common bacterium. It is sometimes found in the throat or on the skin without causing any symptoms. It usually causes mild illness like sore throats and skin infections. In rare cases, these bacteria can cause a severe and life threatening illness called invasive Group A Streptococcal Disease (iGAS).