Care home residents are among twelve dead from deadly infection in Essex

Twelve people in Essex have died from a rare contagious bacterial strain, with most of them said to be elderly, with some of them living in care homes.

In total, 32 people across Essex have been infected with the Group A streptococcal (iGAS) infection.

Public Health England (PHE) has warned that there is a ‘high risk’ of further deaths as a result of the outbreak which is still ongoing.

The first case was discovered in Braintree but other people have been diagnosed with the infection around Chelmsford and Maldon, according to a Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) report.

The report revealed ‘most of those affected are elderly and had been receiving care for chronic wounds in the community and care homes’.

Dr Jorg Hoffman, deputy director of health protection for PHE East of England, called it a "very serious situation" and said: “Unfortunately we have so far not been able to fully contain the situation”.

The CCG revealed that staff in care homes as well as home care staff have been swabbed and given precautionary antibiotic treatment.

People can carry the bacteria without showing any symptoms and it can be spread through kissing or touching or sneezing.