A rare, invasive form of a usually mild and common bacterial infection has killed several children in the United Kingdom in recent weeks, according to public health authorities, prompting alarm among parents and vulnerable adults.
There have been seven confirmed deaths in England and one in Wales caused by the Group A streptococcus bacteria, also known as Strep A, a spokesman for the U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA) told The Washington Post on Tuesday. British media say the death toll may be higher.