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West Berkshire health services see high demand for Strep A




Concern over the Strep A outbreak has seen a five fold increase in demand for health services in Berkshire.

Health chiefs reported today (Tuesday) that they had seen a significant increase in demand for urgent care, with out of hours showing five times the usual level.

“111 services are seeing about 150 per cent of normal levels and there is also significant pressure on primary care [GPs],” said Sarah Webster, the lead director for Berkshire West Integrated Care Board.

Strep A causes high demand for hesalth services (61308186)
Strep A causes high demand for hesalth services (61308186)

“Whilst Strep A, which affects young children particularly, it is only in rare cases that it becomes a serious health issue,” she told West Berkshire Council’s health scrutiny panel.

“We have had some feedback that it has been challenging to access the right antibiotics. But the message we have from NHS England is that there is enough supply. We just need to make sure it is in the right place.”

Parents are being urged to seek medical help if they suspect their child has been infected with Strep A.

The updated advice from health officials comes as cases Strep A (Group A streptococcus) have been increasing since the beginning of October.

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust advice says: “Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, but it is highly infectious.

“Therefore, look out for symptoms in your child, which include a sore throat, headache, and fever, along with a pine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel.

“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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