Parents in the borough have been given advice by Bromley Council’s Public Health team on what to look out for regarding Group A Strep. This comes in response to recent news reports of an increase across the country of serious infections caused by these bacteria.
Letters from Bromley’s Director of Public Health distributed through all Bromley schools and early years settings offers reassurance that these bacteria usually cause mild infections which can lead to a sore (strep) throat, impetigo or scarlet fever – easily treated with antibiotics.
However, it is important not to be complacent as in rare circumstances these bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause serious illness – called invasive Group A Strep (iGAS). This has been widely reported in the media but is still uncommon.
The information, which is also on the Council’s website, is intended to help parents identify the early signs and symptoms of invasive Group A Strep disease and highlight when it is important to seek help and advice.
Webinars have also been held with head teachers and early years settings to ensure they up to date with the information too. Good hand hygiene and the use of tissues to catch sneezes is also stressed to help reduce the risk of picking up or spreading infections.
Dr Nada Lemic, Director of Public Health in Bromley said: “Major complications with Strep A are still relatively rare, but please do keep a close eye on your child if they are unwell and don’t hesitate to seek help and advice if you are concerned in any way. As a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement and contact 111, your GP or call 999 in an immediate emergency.”
Bromley’s Public Health team work closely with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to help minimise infections and to raise awareness of help and advice on how residents can keep well and improve their overall health more generally.
More information is at: www.bromley.gov.uk/healthandwellbeing
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- For media enquiries, please contact Susie Clark on 020 8461 7911 or email susie.clark@bromley.gov.uk