Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at UKHSA, said the vast majority of children affected have a mild illness and that an open mind is being kept as to why there is a spike in infections.
Children s hospitals in Arizona, Colorado, Texas and Washington say they are all seeing surges in Strep A infections. Although normally mild, the disease can lead to life-threatening complications.
UK Health Security Agency data show 16 children in England have now died with an infection, up from 13 last week. Three other deaths have been recorded in Belfast and Wales
Jax Albert Jefferys, a five-year-old who attended Morelands Primary School in Waterlooville, Hampshire, died on Thursday, December 1. His parents say he was misdiagnosed with flu.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the UK s watchdog, is investigating the price of antibiotics. Pharmacists claim they are being charged up to £19 for drugs.