Five invasive strep A cases have been recorded across south London, according to the latest data.

The figures, which are released by the UK Health Security Agency, show Bromley has the highest invasive cases (2) across England.

Three more of the serious invasive disease have also been recorded in Greenwich (1), Wandsworth (1), and Merton (1).

There is a total of 15 invasive cases recorded in the whole of the UK.

These figures were reported in the seven days up to December 11.

The latest figures also show that Bexley and Lewisham are among authorities in London with the highest scarlet fever cases.

Bexley reported 10, Bromley recorded four, while Greenwich reported seven across south east London.

Scarlet fever is caused by a bacteria called Group A Streptococcus, also known as Strep A. 

The vast majority of Strep A infections are mild but occasionally a serious invasive infection can be caused.

Symptoms of scarlet fever include sore throat, headache, and fever, along with a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a “sandpapery” feel. 

A total of 1,702 cases of scarlet fever were reported in England and Wales in the week up to December 11, with 108 of these in London, according to UKHSA.  

London has the third highest regional total of scarlet fever cases in England, behind the South East (209) and East of England (191)

The full list of invasive strep A cases recorded across England in the week up to December 11 is as follows:

Ashfield: One infection

Bristol City UA: One infection

Bromley: Two infections

Carmarthenshire: One infection

Chelmsford: One infection

Cherwell: One infection

Dudley: Two infections

Greenwich: One infection

Harrogate: One infection

Merton: One infection

Powys: One infection

Wandsworth: One infection

Wiltshire: One infection