GP surgeries across Bournemouth and Poole are giving advice to parents worried about Strep A and Scarlet Fever in their children.

To date, at least nine children across the UK have died from complications caused by the Strep A infection.

Yesterday, health secretary Steve Barclay said there was no shortage of antibiotics, but he urged parents to remain vigilant for signs of Strep A.

In a post on their Facebook page, The Adam Practice in Poole said: "We understand parents will be concerned about the current rise in Group A Strep infections amongst young children.

Read more: What health experts in Dorset are urging people to do over Strep A

"Group A Strep is a bacteria that can cause mild illnesses in children. It is the main cause of Scarlet Fever, which is a common illness at this time of year and can be treated with antibiotics, where needed. If you think your child has Scarlet Fever please contact the GP.

"In rare cases Group Strep A can cause a more serious illness which can present with Sepsis-like Symptoms. It is important to look out for and be aware of Sepsis symptoms in children. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis/

"More information can be found at the Wessex Healthier Together website: https://what0-18.nhs.uk/.../worried-your.../scarlet-fever"

A post from Westbourne Medical Centre said: "The NHS is seeing high levels of worried parents enquiring about their child’s symptoms due to the increased levels of Group A Strep circulating.

"To help you decide if you need to seek medical help, download the Healthier Together App or website: https://what0-18.nhs.uk.

"The resources on the Healthier Together have been developed in partnership between parents and NHS healthcare professionals. You'll find clear information on common childhood illnesses, including advice on what 'red-flag' signs to look out for, where to seek help if required, what you should do to keep your child comfortable and how long your child's symptoms are likely to last.

"Most importantly, the resources are used not only by parents but also by healthcare professionals.

"Please, visit link https://www.facebook.com/UKHealthSecurityAgency to watch helpful video explaining what to look out for & what parents should do if their child is poorly and not getting better."

New data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that scarlet fever cases remain higher than typically seen at this time of year and that there are almost 50 known cases of serious Strep A infections in south west England.

This comes after a child at a Dorset nursery tested positive for Strep A this week. Parents whose children attend Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School in Weymouth have been written to by the UKHSA.