UKHSA update on scarlet fever and invasive group A strep

THE latest data from UK Health Security Agency show that scarlet fever cases and group A streptococcus (GAS) cases continue to remain higher than we would typically see at this time of year in the North West. Dr Merav Kliner, Deputy Director, UKHSA North West, said:- "We are seeing a higher number of cases of group A strep this year than usual in the North West. The bacteria usually causes a mild infection producing sore throats or scarlet fever that can be easily treated with antibiotics. In very rare circumstances, this bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause serious illness – called invasive group A strep (iGAS). This is still uncommon however it is important that parents are on the lookout for symptoms and see a doctor as quickly as possible so that their child can be treated and we can stop the infection becoming serious. Make sure you talk to a health professional if your child is showing signs of deteriorating after a bout of scarlet fever, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection."

Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, but it is highly infectious. Therefore, look out for symptoms in your child, which include:- a sore throat, headache, and fever, along with a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel. On darker skin the rash can be more difficult to detect visually but will have a sandpapery feel.

Contact NHS 111 or your GP if you suspect your child has scarlet fever, because early treatment of scarlet fever with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia or a bloodstream infection. If your child has scarlet fever, keep them at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others.

Scarlet fever is caused by bacteria called group A streptococci. These bacteria also cause other respiratory and skin infections such as Strep throat and impetigo.

In very rare occasions, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause an illness called invasive group A strep. Whilst still uncommon, there has been an increase in invasive group A strep cases this year, particularly in children under 10.

Investigations are also underway following reports of an increase in lower respiratory tract group A strep infections in children over the past few weeks, which have caused severe illness.

Currently, there is no evidence that a new strain is circulating. The increase is most likely related to high amounts of circulating bacteria and social mixing.

There are lots of viruses that cause sore throats, colds and coughs circulating. These should resolve without medical intervention. However, children can on occasion develop a bacterial infection on top of a virus and that can make them more unwell.

As a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement.

Contact NHS 111 if or your GP if:-

►  Your child is getting worse.

►  Your child is feeding or eating much less than normal.

►  Your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration.

►  Your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39C or higher.

►  Your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty.

►  Your child is very tired or irritable.

Call:- 999 or go to A&E if:-

►  Your child is having difficulty breathing; you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs.

►  There are pauses when your child breathes.

►  Your child's skin, tongue or lips are blue.

►  Your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake.

Good hand and respiratory hygiene are important for stopping the spread of many bugs. By teaching your child how to wash their hands properly with soap for 20 seconds, using a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, and keeping away from others when feeling unwell, they will be able to reduce the risk of picking up, or spreading, infections.

More 10 to 11 year old kids in North West are obese than EVER before

PUBLIC Health England has today revealed that tackling obesity is one of the greatest long term health challenges facing the North West, with 39% of all Year 6 children living in the Region classed as overweight or obese. According to figures, a staggering 31,975 children in the Region aged:- 10 to 11 are classified as overweight or obese in 2021/22, a figure that has risen by 35% since the Covid19 Pandemic. In 2019/20, 23,540 Year 6 children were classed as overweight or obese before records were skewed during the 2020/21 Covid crisis.

According to eating disorder experts at UKAT, the number of kids overweight or obese in 2021/22 in the North West is the highest count of overweight or obese children age:- 10 to 11 ever recorded, with figures going back as far as 2006/07.  UKAT reveals that in Liverpool, 45.2% of Year 6 children age:- 10 to 11 are classed as overweight or obese. In St. Helens, 44% and in Manchester, 43.8%.

Analysis of the new data by UKAT also reveals that the number of children in reception- aged just 4 to 5 years old, classed as overweight and including obese nearly doubled from:- 4,425, in:- 2019/20 to 8,140, in 2021/22, an 82% rise since the Pandemic.

Those in Year 6 who are classed solely as 'severely obese' in the North West has risen drastically too. In 2019/20, 3,275 children age:- 10 to 11, were classed as severely obese. This rose to:- 4,995 in 2021/22; a 52% rise.

Those children in Year 6 classed as severely obese in the North West accounts for 6.1% of all Year 6 children in the Region, the highest proportion ever recorded.

There is concern about the rise of childhood obesity and the implications of obesity persisting into adulthood. The risk of obesity in adulthood and risk of future obesity related ill health are greater as children get older.

63% of adults in England are above a healthy weight, and of these 50% are living with obesity. Eating disorder experts at the UK Addiction Treatment Group, which analysed the data, discuss the health consequences of childhood obesity.

Nuno Albuquerque, Head of Treatment for the UKAT Group comments:- "Our concern is for the physical and mental well being of children who are overweight or living with obesity. The health consequences of childhood obesity include type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and exacerbation of conditions like asthma, to name a few. But the psychological problems that come with obesity at such a young age include social isolation, low self esteem and bullying, all factors that go hand in hand with the development of an eating disorder. We treat people aged 16 and over for eating disorders, and the vast majority of those began their unhealthy relationship with food during their childhood. For some, over-eating is not a choice, it is a progressive illness that worsens over time and can be extremely dangerous. These figures clearly show that children's eating habits worsened during the global Pandemic and as a society, we need to tackle this head on as a priority."

For population monitoring purposes children are classified as overweight (including obesity) if their body mass index (BMI) is on or above the 85th centile of the British 1990 growth reference (UK90) according to age and sex.

For population monitoring purposes children are classified as living with severe obesity if their body mass index (BMI) is on or above the 99.6th centile of the British 1990 growth reference (UK90) according to age and sex.

24/7 confidential help and support with understanding eating disorders is available. Please visit the NHS website to locate the best services that are suitable for your needs.