Deadly bacteria that has killed dozens of kids in the UK spreads in Australia

Strep A has killed at least 37 children in the UK since the start of September.

A deadly bacteria that has killed dozens of children in the UK in a matter of months is now spreading in Australia.

Strep A has killed at least 37 children in the UK since the start of September.

People in New South Wales and Victoria are being urged to keep an eye out for symptoms of Strep A, as well as meningococcal disease.

While infections are rare, both can cause death or permanent disability.

Executive Director of Health Protection NSW, Dr Richard Broome, said in their early stages the infections sometimes mimic symptoms of viral infections, like Covid-19 and flu.

“While notification data on iGAS has only recently become available in NSW, the number of people unwell with the condition has clearly increased here and across the world,” said Dr Broome.

Australians have been warned two rare but severe illnesses are on the rise.

People with meningococcal disease may experience severe headache, neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights or unexplained joint or limb pain.

A rash may also occur, but often presents later in the illness, so people shouldn’t wait for the rash to appear.

Invasive group A streptococcus can cause different symptoms, including muscle aches and pains, and a red, warm, painful, rapidly spreading skin infection, while children may present with a sunburn-like rash.

One-hundred and thirty-seven cases of Invasive group A streptococcus were recorded in NSW between September and December, while there were 36 cases of meningococcal disease over the whole of 2022.

Two children died with Strep A in 2022 in Victoria, with 60 more kids hospitalised.

“In 2022, there was a marked increase in the number of cases of Group A streptococcal infections,” Safer Care Victoria announced.“There were at least three deaths from invasive streptococcal infections or toxic shock syndrome, including two caused by Group A streptococcus, and many other children required intensive care.”

If you are concerned about your or your child’s health, call your GP or HealthDirect on 1800 022 222. If you or the person you care for is seriously unwell call triple-0.

More information on either infection can be found here.