The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says there is no evidence that a new strain of Strep A, or Group A Streptococcus (GAS),  is circulating in the UK. But a recent rise in cases have

alarmed parents and medical professionals after more than 10 children under the age of 15 have died from the invasive illness this year.

Express Health brings you an in-depth guide to Group A Strep including symptoms, treatment and the latest news of the UK outbreak. Read on to find out more, or click the table of contents

above.

infection characterised by symptoms like sore throat and swollen glands.

The bacterial culprit can also lead to other complications, such as scarlet fever, strep throat and impetigo. Despite the rise in deaths this winter, life-threatening outcomes of Strep A are

very rare.

While the bacterial infection is more common in children, both adults and young ones can be struck by this bacterium.

Worryingly, streptococcus can sometimes live in your body without spurring on any uncomfortable symptoms but you can still pass the bacteria to others, despite feeling healthy.

Both the NHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention don't differentiate between adults and children when it comes to symptoms.

The inside of your or your child’s throat could reveal the bacterial infection, with the back of the throat often showing white spots or streaks of pus. You can also notice red and swollen

tonsils. Furthermore, strep throat can start very quickly and cause you pain when you swallow.

According to the health bodies, the most “common symptoms” of strep A include:

The NHS said: "Most strep A infections are not serious and can be treated with antibiotics. But rarely, the infection can cause serious problems. This is called invasive group A strep

(iGAS)."

Dr Colin Brown, deputy director of the UKHSA, said: “Very rarely, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause more serious illness called invasive Group A strep.

“We know that this is concerning for parents, but I want to stress that while we are seeing an increase in cases in children, this remains very uncommon.”

If your child has symptoms of this infection, visit NHS.uk, contact 111 online or your GP surgery so they can be assessed for treatment.

READ MORE: 'Be vigilant': Dr Hilary shares Strep A 'red flag' symptoms

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Professor Matt Ashton, the public health director for Liverpool, provided some important guidance and information about what signs and symptoms parents should be looking for and when action

should be taken.

He said parents should take their child to A&E or call 99 if their child "is having difficulty breathing, if they are making grunting noises or if they are sucking their tummy up beneath

their ribs as they are trying to catch their breaths, if their tongue or lips are blue or if the child is floppy, won't wake up or stay awake - that's when there is something seriously

wrong."

Group A strep bacteria are considered to be very contagious, spreading through coughs, sneezes, wounds and close contact.

Patients who are infected with the bacteria can spread it by talking, coughing, or sneezing, which creates respiratory droplets filled with the culprit.

Furthermore, it usually takes two to five days for someone exposed to Strep A bacteria to become ill.

Antibiotics, which are the main treatment for the bacterial infection, have been running in short supply, according to reports from some pharmacies. However, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has

insisted that this is not the case.

The Prime Minister told MPs: “There are no current shortages of drugs available to treat this and there are well-established procedures in place to ensure that that remains the case.”

Earlier this week, Health Secretary Steve Barclay said that checks within the Department of Health and Social Care had not revealed an issue with the supply of the medicines

But some pharmacies continue to claim that certain penicillin types are in short supply, including liquid formulas that are easier for children to swallow. The National Pharmacy Association

has warned there have been “blips” in the supply chain of liquid penicillin.

New NHS guidance currently states that solid antibiotics can be sprinkled on food and given to children if the liquid versions are out of stock.

The latest reports on December 9 show that 15 children have now died from Strep A in Britain since September. Health bosses have also confirmed today that four adults have also died, all in

the South West, from Strep A infections.

The UKHSA said: "Latest data released by UKHSA today shows that there have been 440 cases of Scarlet Fever and 65 cases of iGAS in the South West from weeks 37 to 48.

"There have sadly also been four recorded deaths within seven days of an iGAS diagnosis in the South West in that period. These deaths have been in adults."

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said there is no evidence that a new strain is circulating and that the rise in cases is most likely due to high amounts of circulating bacteria and

increased social mixing.

In rare cases, streptococcus can get into the bloodstream and cause an illness called invasive Group A strep (iGAS). According to the UKHSA, there has been an increase in cases like this so

parents should be on “the lookout” for any telltale symptoms and see a doctor as “quickly as possible” so that their child can be treated promptly.

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