Dear St. Luke's Families, 

We have all been deeply saddened to read about the tragic deaths of eight children across the country from invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infections. Group A "Strep" is a bacteria which often lives harmlessly on our skin but can also cause a range of illnesses, most of them mild and non invasive.  Most Group A Streptococcus illnesses are relatively mild, with symptoms including a sore throat ("strep throat"), scarlet fever or a skin infection such as impetigo. However, on rare occasions, these bacteria can cause other severe and sometimes life-threatening diseases.

The most important thing to be aware of are the early signs and symptoms of invasive Group A Streptococcal disease. These are:

• High Fever 

• Severe muscle aches 

• Localised muscle tenderness 

• Redness at the site of a wound 

We currently have two  suspected cases of Strep A. Please familiarise yourself with the signs and symptoms. If your child becomes unwell with these symptoms you should contact your GP practice or call NHS111 (which operates a 24/7 service) to seek advice. If your child is unwell they should stay off school until they are better.   

Please find attached further information about Scarlet fever from the Local Authority along with information on the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet-fever/. Please also find attached more detailed information about Strep A from the UK Health Security Agency.