At least 30 children have died in the UK from Strep A bacterial infection since 19 September.
According to UK Health and Safety Agency (UKHSA) data, 25 of the under-18 deaths occurred in England and 5 in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland.
A total of 122 people have died from Strep A in the UK since 19 September.
Group A streptococcal bacteria (Strep A for short) can cause many different infections such as skin infection called impetigo, scarlet fever and throat infection.
Like most respiratory illnesses, Strep A is seasonal, with cases generally increasing in the fall and winter.
Health officials said that families with the infection should be careful.
Many people who get this infection get over the disease mildly; however, these highly contagious bacteria can also cause serious diseases and complications.
Especially in so-called invasive Strep A infections, it can be life-threatening if the bacteria spread to areas where it is not normally seen, such as the blood, lungs and muscles.
Infection can rarely lead to necrotizing soft tissue infection, tissue death, and toxic shock syndrome, which leads to low blood pressure and organ damage.
The UKHSA states that a total of 151 children aged 1-4 years have recorded Strep A since September. In 2017-18, during the season when the disease was common, the total number of cases in this age group reached the highest level with 194.
UKHSA announced that invasive infections are rare and most of them are seen above the age of 45.
However, it is stated that there is an increase in the incidence of Strep A and scarlet fever (flu-like symptoms and a rough rash on the body) infections out of season.
In 2017-18, 33 thousand 836 cases were recorded this year, against a total of 4672 cases in the same period.
Authorities note that throat infections caused by scarlet fever and Strep A are easily treated with antibiotics and rarely cause more serious ailments in children.
Reminding that bacteria are widely circulated in winter, it is reminded that contamination can be minimized by avoiding contact with sick people, washing hands regularly, and using tissue paper when coughing and sneezing.
It is recommended that children be taken to the doctor if:
Eating and drinking less than usual
fire that doesn’t fall
Sweating
More tired and moody than usual
UKHSA data show that of the 122 deaths from Strep A recorded in the UK, 49 were over the age of 75 and 20 under the age of 10.
Children accounted for 27 of the 355 deaths in 2017-18.