The number of children under 15 who have died from Strep A in the UK has risen to 15, the UK Health Security Agency has said.
New data for England shows the number of deaths since September has risen to 13.
The other two fatalities were recorded in Wales and Northern Ireland.
Illnesses caused by Strep A include scarlet fever, strep throat, and the skin infection impetigo.
Though most infections are mild, the bacteria can evolve into a life-threatening illness called invasive Group A Streptococcal disease.
A rise in cases is thought to be because of large amounts of bacteria and increased social mixing, the UKHSA added.
There is no current evidence that a new strain is circulating, the agency said.
