Hove Park School Pupil Dies From Strep A

A 12-year-old pupil from Hove Park School is the first in Sussex to succumb to an infection caused by the Strep A virus.

The pupil attended the Valley campus branch of the school in Hangleton Way, which is attended by students in years 7, 8 and 9.

A letter to parents who have children at the school was sent out this afternoon just before 5.30pm, informing them of the tragic news, which they said had come as a "terrible shock" to many staff and students at the school.

They added that they were keeping details of the pupil private out of respect to the family.

A spokesperson from Brighton & Hove City Council said:

Specialists from the UK Health Security Agency are working closely with Brighton & Hove City Council to support Hove Park school following the death of a pupil, who is suspected to have had invasive Group A streptococcal infection (iGAS).

UKHSA and the City Council will ensure Hove Park School, is advised on all necessary public health actions and that accurate information is shared with the school community.

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.

“Infection with Group A Streptococcus bacterium usually causes a sore throat, scarlet fever 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.

“We will implement public health actions including advice to the city council and school community.”

Alistair Hill, Director of Public Health at Brighton & Hove City Council said:

“We are working with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) 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. While we cannot comment on individual cases, we ask that the privacy of the family is respected.

“As a precaution, we have also been working closely with the school to raise awareness amongst parents and carers of the signs and symptoms of Group A Streptococcal infections, and what to do if a child develops these, including invasive Group A Streptococcal disease (iGAS).

“I would stress that contracting iGAS disease from another person is very rare. Most people who come into contact with Group A Streptococcal infections remain well and symptom-free – and therefore there is no reason for children to be kept home if well. However, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell please contact NHS 111 or your GP.”

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Meanwhile, NHS Sussex has issued advice to parents and carers who may be worried around the cases of ‘Strep A’ across the UK.

Strep A (Group A streptococcus) is a common bacteria which causes a range of infections including scarlet fever.

Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, but it is highly infectious, and we are seeing more cases than we usually do at this time of year.

Early treatment of scarlet fever with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia or a bloodstream infection.

In very rare cases, Strep A bacteria can cause a more serious illness known as invasive Group A Strep where hospital treatment may be required. 

These infections are caused by the bacteria getting into parts of the body where it is not normally found, such as the lungs or bloodstream. 

It is important to highlight there are lots of viruses that cause sore throats, colds and coughs at this time of year, and the majority of these are resolved without medical intervention.

If you are concerned about your child’s health, please visit www.111.nhs.uk or call 111 directly and you will be signposted to the right care. 

The symptoms for scarlet fever and Strep A are detailed in full, along with pictures, on the NHS website:

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/strep-a/
• Scarlet fever - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

NHS services are currently seeing more people coming forward for advice and treatment in relation to their child’s health. The majority of these are related to mild illnesses and are not serious. This has meant, however, that they are currently very busy and some people are having to wait longer to be seen.

Dr Dinesh Sinha, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Sussex, said:

“Infection with Strep A bacteria usually causes a sore throat, scarlet fever 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.

“I would stress that most people who come into contact with Strep A infections remain well and symptom-free and most illnesses that are caused by it are mild. However, anyone who feels their child is seriously unwell should contact NHS 111.”