THERE have been 15 deaths of invasive Group Strep A in the last two and half months, data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) states.
Experts have warned that there is a sharp increase in infections, with higher numbers than usual being reported.
The UKHSA report states there have been 15 deaths between September 12 and November 28.
Group A Streptococcus — Streptococcus pyogenes — is a bacteria that can cause mild illness.
This can include sore throats and skin infections, alongside tonsillitis, cellulitis, and scarlet fever, which is flu-like and tends to occur in children - it can be serious if not treated swiftly with antibiotics.
In rare cases, the bacteria can trigger invasive Group Strep A disease, which can prove life-threatening and even fatal.
Cases of Strep A have risen across the UK, so too have more serious cases of both scarlet fever and invasive Group A Strep disease.
Parents have been warning others of the signs of the illness, as children have been battling the bug.
Mum Jenna Higham said her little boy George's screams will 'haunt her forever' after he was found to have Strep A.
Seven-year-old Hanna Roap is among those youngsters who have lost their lives.
What started as a mild cough rapidly deteriorated and she tragically died within 24-hours.
Meanwhile, another dad told how he took his five-year-old Stella-Lily McCorkindale to A&E three times before she died of Strep A.
And another mum has shared photos of her little boy to highlight how fast Strep A strikes after her little one was diagnosed with the illness, as well as scarlet fever and pneumonia.
There are four key signs of Group Strep A to watch out for, according to the NHS. These are:
- A fever (meaning a high temperature above 38°C)
- Severe muscle aches
- Localised muscle tenderness
- Redness at the site of a wound
