Parents of pupils at school where child died in rare bacteria outbreak ‘fear their kids are next’ as epidemic alert sent
PARENTS have spoken of their fear after a six-year-old girl died following a bacterial outbreak at their children’s primary school.
The Year One pupil died after catching the invasive group A streptococcal infection.
A second child was rushed to hospital after also being infected following the outbreak at Ashford Church of England School in Surrey.
She is now thankfully showing “positive signs” of recovery.
Pupils from Years One and Two – the infected groups -and their teachers have now been given antibiotics.
But parents have told how they are worried about the outbreak of Strep A, which case cause scarlet fever, throat infections and very rarely invasive disease.
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A mum whose child was given antibiotics said: “It is scary but the school have been very helpful about it.
“They have been sending children home if they get sick and they are asking us not to send children in if they have not taken the right precautions.
“A child has died, how could I not be worried? All the patents are feeling the same thing.”
While one dad said: “My daughter is in the same class as the girl who died.
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“She has been given antibiotics. She was allowed to go to school today but we decided to keep her here until Monday.
“Of course we are worried about it. The children they don’t care, they don’t know if they have been infected or not, they just play.
“The doctor said the child who died is in the same class as her.
“I think some of the children should have been sent home.”
Invasive Group A streptococcal (iGAS) – also known as Strep Throat – usually causes a sore throat or skin rash and is passed by physical contact or through droplets from sneezing or coughing.
In very rare cases, the infection can become invasive and enter parts of the body where bacteria aren’t normally found, which can be serious.
In a letter to parents of pupils at a school near Ashford CoE Primary, the headteacher confirmed staff were aware of the death and that another child had developed symptoms.
HEALTH WARNING
Ruth Hutchinson, Director of Public Health, Surrey County Council said: “We are deeply saddened by the death of a pupil at Ashford Church of England School and we offer our sincere condolences to their family, friends and the whole school community, who are in our thoughts.
“Our school relationships team, available 24/7, has provided the school with guidance during this tragic time and our public health team are working closely with UKHSA, school leaders and health partners to take appropriate health protection measures and ensure children, parents and carers at the school are appropriately supported.
”A number of other illnesses typically circulate at this time of year and parents, school and nursery staff are advised to be aware of the symptoms.”
Dr Winslade added: “We are also seeing cases of scarlet fever, RSV and other viral infections in the community, which are all fairly common among children.
“Please ensure that children stay off school if they’re unwell to help minimise the spread of infections and check that they are up to date with their routine vaccinations.
“Always contact your GP for medical advice if you are concerned.”
Anyone who is concerned they might have iGAS symptoms is urged to call NHS111.