YORKSHIRE and the Humber has the highest rate of invasive Strep A cases in the country.

Government figures show the rate of iGAS per 100,000 people in the region is at 1.8 over the past 12 weeks.

iGAS - invasive Group A Streptococcal - is a rare complication of Strep A infection and can lead to severe issues.

The invasive version of the illness occurs when the bacterium gets into the part of the body where it is not usually found, such as the blood, muscle, or lungs.

At least 15 deaths have now been linked to iGAS.

Data released today shows the region's rate of iGAS is above the national average for England (1.2) and that of the next highest, the South East (1.4).

Yorkshire and the Humber has the second most cases of iGAS, with 99 in 12 weeks, behind the South East with 121.

This is 15 per cent of the country's total iGAS cases over the past 12 weeks.

Strep A - the none invasive version which can develop into iGAS is rare cases - is also known as scarlet fever or "GAS" and its symptoms include a sore throat, headache, fever, or a fine, pinkish or red body rash.

The region's rate of scarlet fever is above the national average of 11.7, at 13.5, with 745 cases over the past 12 weeks.

There were five cases of Strep A in Bradford last week, while Leeds had 22.

In total, there were 35 cases of scarlet fever recorded in West Yorkshire last week.