UK parents told to look out for signs of strep A in their children after six deaths

Health Security Agency issues rare alert over rise in cases, urging people to seek immediate medical help if they see symptoms

• Q&A: what are the symptoms and how can strep A be treated?

Parents across the UK are being urged to look out for symptoms of strep A infection in their children after health officials revealed a rise in cases had led to the death of six youngsters.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a rare alert on Friday evening after a rise in cases across the country, telling parents to seek medical help as soon as possible if they detect signs in their children, in order to stop the infection becoming serious.