A HEREFORD primary school has confirmed a case of strep A among its staff and pupils, the infection which has led to nine children dying in the UK in recent weeks.

Lord Scudamore Academy, in Friars Street, sent an email to parents and carers on Wednesday to notify them of one strep A case, and two cases of scarlet fever.

The common bacteria is often found in people’s throats and skin meaning many may carry it without displaying any symptoms.

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But it can cause both mild and more serious infections – from a sore throat and headache to a body rash.

The school, which has around 570 pupils aged between three and 11, said the cases were across various year groups.

It told parents to be aware of the symptoms of strep A, which are a sore throat, pain swallowing, a fever higher than 38.3 degrees, tiny red spots in the mouth, tender lymph glands, headache, rash, nausea, vomiting and/or body aches.

The school said children who are unwell should stay at home, and parents should seek medical advice if they are worried, adding that the school should be kept updated.

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The government has said scarlet fever is caused by bacteria called group A streptococci. These bacteria also cause other respiratory and skin infections such as strep throat and impetigo.

In very rare occasions, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause an illness called invasive Group A strep (iGAS).

While still uncommon, there has been an increase in invasive Group A strep cases this year, particularly in children under 10.

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Some 14 cases of scarlet fever have been found in Herefordshire over the last four weeks, according to the UK Health Security Agency. Hereford's Marlbrook Primary School has also confirmed a case of scarlet fever.

Herefordshire's public health team has been contacted for comment.