The HSE has asked parents to keep symptomatic children away from schools as worries mount over the bacterial illness Strep A.
The health service distributed a letter to schools yesterday which referred to the general increase in illnesses amongst children this winter. The letter explained that the HSE had not seen an increase in Strep A infections compared to pre-pandemic times, but that the rate of serious illness was a concern.
Parents are advised to keep children at home if they display certain symptoms, including a fever, sore throat and cough. The HSE explained this would help reduce the chance of children contracting viral and bacterial illnesses while in school.
READ MORE : Young child dies of Strep A infection, health chiefs confirmed
The letter reads: ÃÃâWe have seen a significant increase in the usual winter viral infections. This includes an increase in flu. This is because children are mixing together more when in previous years social contact was reduced.ÃÃâ
The letter was distributed to schools by Dr Eamonn OÃÃâMoore, Director of National Health Protection and Dr Abigail Collins, National Clinical Lead Child Health Public Health at the HSE. It will likely be circulated to parents, guardians and staff over the coming days.
Dr Eamonn OÃÃâMoore said: ÃÃâThe news of a child death with Strep A will be worrying for parents, but itÃÃâs important to know that most children who get ill from a Group A Strep infections will have a mild illness which can be treated with antibiotics.ÃÃâ
Strep A infections are typically mild and result in minor symptoms. However, the illness can become much more serious if it enters a personÃÃâs lungs or bloodstream, causing an invasive case of the illness.
While the disease is bacterial rather than viral, it is still highly contagious and spreads through coughing and sneezing. Serious cases of strep are usually treated with a course of antibiotics.
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