Now Europe gets hit by Strep A: WHO officials warn of spike in wake of Covid-era restrictions

Now Europe gets hit by Strep A: WHO officials warn of spike in wake of Covid-era restrictions Strep A cases are surging across Europe, health officials have confirmed in the first sign that it's not just the UK being hit by unusually high levels of the bug.

A spike in cases 'several fold-higher than pre-pandemic levels' have been logged in France and the UK. Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden have also reported upticks, according to the World Health Organization.

The bacterial infection, which is usually mild, has so far killed at least 16 children in the UK. Although low, the toll is higher than expected for this time of year. The Daily Mail

See also:

• Strep A symptoms: What you need to know, in a minute BBC News
• Strep A explained: Can adults get it? Will it cause an antibiotics shortage? BBC Science Focus
• Strep A: Parents say son misdiagnosed before strep A death BBC News
• Export of drugs to treat Strep A infections is BANNED by Government amid shortage fears The Daily Mail
• UK pharmacists report sharp rise in prices for strep A antibiotics The Guardian
• Pharmacists warn of price gouging over Strep A antibiotic shortage as prices soar The Independent