Thirteen people have been reported dead in a ‘very serious’ outbreak of an invasive Group A streptococcus in Essex, London, officials say.
Health bosses previously reported 12 deaths due to the spread of the rare bacterial infection, but an additional case has been added after Public Health England reviewed how cases are defined, Metro reports.
Officials said the bacteria can be found in the throat and on the skin – and people may carry it without displaying any symptoms.
They said it can live in throats and on hands, for long enough to allow easy spread between people through sneezing, kissing and skin contact.
