Ashford bacteria outbreak: Child recovering after Strep A kills one

The child who died was a pupil at Ashford Church of England Primary School

A child taken to hospital after being infected in a bacteria outbreak at a Surrey primary school is showing signs of recovery, parents have been told.

Another pupil, believed to be aged six, has died after catching the invasive group A streptococcal infection.

Health officers recommended antibiotics for the year group at Ashford Church of England School as a precaution.

A school email to parents said a second child had the same illness but was showing "positive signs".

Advice on the infection, including what symptoms families should look for, has been distributed more widely across schools in the county.

The BBC was told some parents had not sent their children to the school on Friday amid claims it had not been deep cleaned.

Surrey County Council (SCC) confirmed there had been a slight drop in attendance.

SCC said health officials had said a deep clean was not necessary but the school was arranging one this weekend as a precaution.

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Cases of the invasive group A streptococcal infection, which is sometimes called Strep A, have been rising recently after the easing of Covid restrictions.

It is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can be extremely serious - although it is treatable.

Spread in coughs and sneezes, cases occur most often in the winter.

Symptoms include a rash, a sore throat, flushed cheeks and swollen tongue. Early treatment with antibiotics is important.

SCC said 12 schools contacted with a fact sheet included Ashford North & Stanwell South; Ashford Town; Ashford Common; Ashford East; Sunbury East; Sunbury Common; Laleham & Shepperton Green; Shepperton Town; Halliford and Sunbury West; Staines; Staines South and Stanwell North.

Dr Claire Winslade, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) health protection consultant, confirmed that a child had died and said: "As a precautionary measure, we have recommended antibiotics to pupils and staff in the same year groups as the individuals affected.

"We have provided advice to the school to help prevent further cases and will continue to monitor the situation."

The UKHSA said officials contacted parents at the school on Wednesday with letters for parents whose children were eligible for antibiotics and a separate letter for parents of other year groups, who were not.

The fact sheet was shared with other primary schools on Thursday.

'No wider risk'

Following a risk assessment on Tuesday, Years 1 and 2 were offered antibiotics as a precaution, the UKHSA said.

The agency said: "There is, however, no wider risk to public health."

An email from the school to parents said: "It is with the deepest regret and sadness that I have to inform you that a child in Tiger class, year one, has sadly died after developing invasive Group A streptococcal (IGAS).

"We are also aware that a child in a year two class has developed the same illness but is showing positive signs of recovery."

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