Health officials want parents to be aware of an infection called strep A that children are dying from. Since Covid restrictions eased, there are more opportunities for other infections to spread. Strep A cases are increasing. The highly contagious bacterium can cause serious illness and complications. Many carry it harmlessly without even knowing they have it. It can be spread to others with a cough or sneeze. Most often, symptoms are mild - a sore throat or a skin infection which can be easily treated with antibiotics. But strep A can cause a range of serious illnesses like scarlet fever; nine children have died recently. Health professionals must tell local protection teams of suspected scarlet fever cases so that they can be treated quickly and possible outbreaks brought under control. Cases have risen tenfold this year, but the UK has ‘good’ antibiotic supplies amid shortage fears.