Second child dies in a week from Strep A

A primary school pupil in Wales has died after contracting Strep A, a week after the death of a six-year-old in England who was infected by the same bacteria.

The death of the pupil in Penarth was confirmed yesterday by Victoria Primary School and Vale of Glamorgan Council. In a joint statement they said the pupil had “tragically passed away after contracting Strep A”. They said “it is unlikely that other pupils will be affected”.

It comes amid concerns that lockdown measures enforced during the pandemic stopped the circulation of other seasonal diseases, inhibiting children from becoming immunised.