Three others are known to have died in Wales and Northern Ireland, bringing the total who have died since September to at least 24.
The UKHSA said in its latest release:"Elevations in rates of iGAS infection in children in this early part of this season have resulted in an increased number of deaths over a relatively short period."It comes amid a spike in cases of scarlet fever, which is caused by the Strep A bacteria and can lead to iGAS in a small number of cases if the bacteria gets into the bloodstream.
Projected UKHSA figures show that the number of likely reportable cases of scarlet fever could be as high as 10,000 in the week ending 11 December.The organisation said the number of GP consultations are"currently showing exceptional levels of activity during this early point in the season".Strep A driving 'near record' demand
It comes as the number of patients in hospital with flu in England has"skyrocketed" while Strep A is driving a"near record" demand for NHS 111 services. An average of 1,939 people with flu were in hospital each day last week, up 67% on 1,162 the previous week, according to NHS England.There has also been a surge in the number of flu patients in critical care beds in England, with the daily average standing at 149 last week, up 72% from 87 the previous week.
At the equivalent point last year the NHS had only two flu patients a day in critical care and 32 in general beds.
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