Six-year-old dies after bacteria outbreak in Surrey primary school

A primary school student, believed to be six-year-old, has died, while the second pupil is being treated in hospital after a bacteria outbreak in Surrey school.

Both students were in the same year group at Ashford Church of England Primary School. The UK Health Security Agency said they caught the rare invasive group A streptococcal infection.

The government agency further said that they had recommended staff and pupils be prescribed antibiotics. Dr Claire Winslade, the health protection consultant at UKHSA South East, said, “We are extremely saddened to hear about the death of a pupil at Ashford Church of England School, and our thoughts are with their family, friends and the school community.”

“As a precautionary measure, we have recommended antibiotics to pupils and staff in the same year groups as the individuals affected. We have provided advice to the school to help prevent further cases.”