Another person has died from a deadly outbreak of Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) in the county.

NHS Mid Essex CCG sadly confirmed today that 15 people have now sadly died, with a further 33 cases known and six probable cases.

The incident management team has learned of two additional, historical cases which will remain probable and date back to the end of 2018.

A review was conducted by Public Health England to make sure all cases dating back to last year had been investigated for a potential link to the outbreak.

The two additional patients, including the patient who died, are both from mid Essex and were receiving treatment for wounds in their own home or in a care home.

The NHS Mid Essex CCG added that their thoughts were with the families of those patients who had passed away.

Strep A is a bacterium disease which is sometimes found in the throat or on the skin and usually causes no symptoms.

Signs of someone potentially having iGAS include high fever, severe muscle aches, redness at the site of a wound, vomiting or diarrhoea.

Those affected are reported to be older people in Braintree District and the neighbouring area in West Essex, Chelmsford City and Maldon District.

A freephone helpline number has been set up by Mid Essex CCG for anyone with concerns about the infection. Please call, 03000 032124, from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.