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Strep A: What is it and what are the symptoms?

Stuart RustSouth of England
News imageGetty Images A picture taken over a woman's shoulder. She appears to be wearing medical clothing, including blue plastic gloves. She is inserting a long swap into a white unit on a desk. Getty Images
Most Strep A infections are mild, but in rare cases the bacteria can cause serious illness

The death of five-year-old Jax Jefferys from Group A streptococcal sepsis has brought renewed attention to Strep A infections.

An inquest jury heard the boy, from Waterlooville, Hampshire, died on 1 December 2022.

Strep A infections are common and usually mild, but in rare cases can cause serious illness.

Here's what Strep A is, how it spreads and the symptoms parents should look out for.

What is Strep A?

News imageFamily photo Jax Jefferys grins broadly in a portrait photograph in his school uniform. He has blond hair, cut short at the sides.Family photo
Jax Jefferys, five, died on 1 December 2022 after developing Group A streptococcal sepsis

Strep A, or Group A Streptococcus, is a common type of bacteria.

Many people carry the bacteria without becoming ill, but it can also cause infections including sore throats, tonsillitis, scarlet fever and some skin infections.

Strep A infections are more common in children, but adults can also sometimes get them.

How does it spread?

News imageGetty Images A microscopic picture of Group A Streptococcus bacteria. Long red strips that almost resemble worms are scattered across a green backround. Getty Images
Group A Streptococcus bacteria, pictured here under a microscope, can cause a range of infections from sore throats to more serious illnesses

Strep A is highly contagious and spreads through close contact with an infected person.

It can be passed on through coughs and sneezes, direct skin-to-skin contact, or from infected wounds.

Because it spreads easily, outbreaks can sometimes occur in places like schools and nurseries.

What are the symptoms?

Strep A can cause a range of symptoms including:

  • A sore throat or tonsillitis
  • Fever or high temperature
  • Swollen glands
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Severe muscle aches
  • Scarlet fever, which causes a rough rash that feels like sandpaper
  • Skin infections such as impetigo

Most infections are mild and get better on their own or with antibiotics.

What is invasive Strep A?

Invasive Strep A is rare, but can become serious very quickly.

That occurs when the bacteria enters parts of the body it is not normally found, like the bloodstream.

This is known as invasive Group A Streptococcal infection, or iGAS.

It can lead to life-threatening illnesses including sepsis.

When should parents seek help?

News imageGetty Images A stock photograph of a doctor's chest. He is wearing a blue medical shirt. The word "doctor" is printed on it to the left and the NHS logo is on the opposite side. He is wearing a stethescope and some kind of lanyard around his neck. Getty Images
Parents are advised to seek medical advice if a child is becoming more unwell or showing signs of dehydration

The NHS advises parents to seek urgent medical advice if a child is becoming more unwell, eating or drinking much less than normal, showing signs of dehydration, or is unusually tired or irritable.

Parents should call 999 or attend A&E if a child has difficulty breathing, their skin, tongue or lips turn blue or grey, or they become floppy and difficult to wake.

How is Strep A treated?

Most Strep A infections can be treated with antibiotics.

More serious infections, including invasive Strep A, usually require hospital treatment.

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