Sad news to report
Preventative antibiotics could be given to children at schools affected by Strep A infections, the schools minister has confirmed. Nick Gibb told GB News the issue was raised in the House of Lords on Monday and the use of antibiotics is an option.
Updated guidance on scarlet fever outbreaks, which are caused by Strep A , published by the UK Health Security Agency in October sets out how antibiotics can be used as prophylaxis but a decision is taken with local outbreak control teams on “ a case-by-case basis”.It added: “It can be considered in exceptional circumstances by the OCT; for example, when there are reports of severe outcomes, or hospitalisations.
“This is an ongoing situation, the UKHSA are involved very closely with those schools and they will be providing further advice later on.It comes as Adam Finn, professor of paediatrics at the University of Bristol, told Times Radio that people were right to be worried and “it’s an enormous tragedy for these families”, adding: “We’re not used in our society to losing the lives of previously healthy children, this is something that’s very shocking and concerning.
He said children with “run of the mill” viral infections can feel unwell and then better again, and “things go up and down”, and they continue to eat and drink.
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