Strep A Posted or Updated on 27 May 2025

Group Strep A is a bacterial type of germ that can cause scarlet fever. These bacteria also cause other respiratory and skin infections such as strep throat and impetigo (a skin infection).

These are usually mild illnesses, which although highly infectious, can be treated at home with antibiotics.

In very rare occasions, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause an illness called invasive Group A strep. Whilst still uncommon, there has been an increase in invasive Group A strep cases this year, particularly in children under 10.

Download an informative leaflet about Strep A here (PDF, 108KB)