Strep A death toll now feared to be eight as school confirms 'devastating' loss

Eight British children are feared to have died after contracting strep A, leaving students and family 'devastated'.

It was announced today that another child has tragically died in Hampshire after being diagnosed with invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infection.

They attended Morelands Primary School in Crookhorn Lane, Waterlooville.

This comes after the death of Muhammad Ibrahim Ali, 4, in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire and Hanna Roap, 7, in Penarth, Wales.

A 12-year-old pupil from Lewisham, London, has also died, his school confirmed today, while a 6-year-old died in Ashford, Surrey, at the end of November.

The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) confirmed last week that five children under the age of five have died in England after contracting Strep A in recent weeks, bringing the total death toll to eight confirmed children.

Muhammad Ibrahim Ali sadly passed away from strep A (

Picture:

just give)

7-year-old Hanna Roap tragically died after contracting strep A (

Picture:

gofundme.com)

This figure could change tomorrow as the UKHSA is expected to release more official data on the outbreak.

Following the tragic death of the unnamed Hampshire child, his school, friends and family paid tribute to him.

Principal, Alison Syred-Paul, said in a statement: "Very tragically, we learned of the death in recent days of a child who attended our school, who was also diagnosed with invasive strep infection. from Group A (iSGA). We are absolutely devastated by the loss of one of our young students and offer our heartfelt and heartfelt condolences to the family of the child at this extremely sad time."

He added: "We ask that the privacy of the family be respected. We are working closely with caregivers...