A city mum has warned other parents that it's "better to be safe than sorry" after her daughter was diagnosed with Strep A after a four-hour wait.

At least nine children in the UK have died because of the disease following outbreaks across the country. 

Streptococcus A - or Strep A - is a bacterial infection of the throat or skin which can sometimes cause scarlet fever.

So when Hethersett mum Marie Jermyn noticed her daughter had some of the symptoms, she was quick to act. 

The 43-year-old noticed her six-year-old daughter, Willow, had a running nose and minor temperature on Saturday night.

Norwich Evening News:

She said: "On Saturday I gave her some Calpol and she seemed fine.

"But on Sunday morning the symptoms came thick and fast.

"Willow was complaining about a severe sore throat and her tonsils had swollen massively.

"Given the fact it was the weekend I knew I'd struggle to see a doctor so I went to Sainsbury's in Longwater to see if they could prescribe anything.

"That's when I noticed the rash on her front and back - it all escalated very quickly."

When the pharmacist advised Willow needed to be looked at, Marie immediately took her little one to the walk-in centre in Rouen Road.

Marie added: "We waited outside for 20 minutes and then had to wait in the car with Willow because the centre was already full with parents and children.

Norwich Evening News:

"By the time we were seen by a doctor we had waited four and a half hours - it was rammed.

"All the staff were fantastic though, despite the huge queues."

Despite the long wait, Marie said the wait was worth it as Willow was diagnosed with Strep A and given antibiotics. 

The mum wants other parents to be aware it's "better to be safe than sorry".

She said: "I'm so glad we went because Willow is now being treated and feeling better.

"It scared me - I was concerned for my daughter's health.

"If any other parents are worried about their child don't write it off. Go and get seen."