ANKARA

French health authorities have reported an increase of Strep A bacterial infection, recalling the importance of contact tracing and social distancing within the community.

In an alert sent to health professionals, the French Health Directorate (DGS) on Tuesday said the rising infections over the last 15 days across different regions led to the hospitalization of at least eight children, of which two died. Three adult cases were also reported, of which one died.

The DGS said the cases do not seem to be "related to each other" and "probably caused by different strains."

It also stressed the importance of administering antibiotics, and monitoring symptoms for early diagnosis and treatment.

The infection is also spreading in the UK, with nine children reported to have died as a result of the rare infection.

The Group A streptococcus (GAS) or Strep A is a type of bacteria often found in the throat and on the skin. It can be spread through coughs and sneezes as well as skin-to-skin contact.