Hove secondary school student dies from suspected strep A

• East Sussex student died from strep A.
• This is the 16th death from invasive strep since September.
• Parents are being educated by school officials.

A secondary school student in East Sussex passed away from what is believed to be strep A, according to officials.

According to a joint statement from Brighton & Hove City Council and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the kid attended Hove Park School in Hove.

If the report is accurate, the child would be the 16th person to pass away since September from an invasive strep A infection.

While mild strep A infections represent the majority, more severe and invasive cases are becoming more common.

Brighton and Hove public health officials stated that they were collaborating with the school to educate parents about the symptoms of strep A infections and what to do if their child contracts them.

The child’s gender and age have not been made public.

Dr. Rachael Hornigold, consultant in health protection at UKHSA South East, said: “We are extremely saddened to hear about the death of a young child, and our thoughts are with their family, friends and the local community.”

Alistair Hill, director of Public Health at Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “We are working with the UK Health Security Agency and Hove Park School following the death of a pupil who attended the school.

“We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and the whole school community who will all be deeply affected by the very tragic loss of this young child, and we are providing our support to them at this incredibly sad time.”

A sore throat or skin infection are typical signs of mild strep A infections.

The insect can also cause scarlet fever, which is characterized by a high fever, a painful throat, a rash that feels like sandpaper, and a so-called “strawberry tongue.”

Antibiotics are used to treat it, which may also help lower the chance of problems and the virus spreading.

As of Thursday, 13 children under the age of 15 had passed away in England, according to data from the UKHSA.

Wales and Belfast each reported two further child fatalities, bringing the UK total to 15 at that point.

According to Mr. Hill, it is “extremely rare” for someone to get strep A from another person, and the majority of those who do “stay well and symptom-free – thus there is no reason for children to be kept home if well.”

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