A devastated mum whose daughter "doesn't even look like herself anymore" due to Strep A has urged parents to be vigilant for signs of the deadly disease.
Laura Rooney said she first noticed five-year-old Farrah's symptoms back in September, but medics did not raise the possibility of Strep A.
Now she hopes her family's struggle can help warn others after it emerged six children have died across the UK as a result of the disease.
Laura told Belfast Live : "She was having fever-like symptoms, persistent coughs and a sore throat.
"She's just been so consistently unwell from it, we are on our fifth antibiotic from September and she's on steroids now as well.
"She has missed out on so much with school and the nursery and having to stay indoors, it has affected every part of our lives.
"My child has never been as consistently sick and she doesn't even look like herself now, that's how much it has affected her."
Laura took Farrah to Daisy Hill A&E on November 8 after her condition deteriorated further.
Her throat was swabbed and the presence of Strep A was confirmed.
Yesterday, Farrah was again very unwell and Laura said she acted straight away when she saw that.
"I didn't wait for a doctor's appointment yesterday, I knew my child was too sick so I went straight to A and E," she said.
"They have done an X ray on her right lung and they've found pneumonia.
"They have further swabbed to see if the Strep A is in her lungs, but we won't know until Monday.
"The plan for Farrah now is steroid treatment with re-evaluation on Sunday, then the results of the test will come on Monday."
Laura spoke to Belfast Live in the hope that her and Farrah's story would encourage parents to act swiftly if they think their child is unwell.
"What I really, really want to do is create the awareness of treatment early," she said.
"If sharing Farrah's story can help raise awareness or get mums and dads to bring their child to the doctor quicker, then that's what I would want.
"Farrah's rash has gone now, a rash is one of the warning signs as well for mums and dads to look out for, or even school teachers.
"I think at the moment there's a worry in schools that it could spread in classrooms.
"I'm just remaining strong and positive and hopeful that this will pass before Christmas."
The NHS describes Strep A as Group A Streptococcal Infection and says it is a bacterial infection usually found in the throat or skin.
The bug can go on to cause scarlet fever in some cases.
"Group A Strep can cause throat infection, scarlet fever or skin infections such ascellulitis or impetigo," the NHS says.
"These infections are usually treated with antibiotics. Very rarely it can cause severe illness when the bacteria get into parts of the body that are usually free from bacteria such as the lungs, blood or muscles.
"This is called invasive Group A Streptococcal disease."
The UKHSA gave this advice for worried parents, saying they should contact NHS 111 or your GP if:
- your child is getting worse
- your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
- your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
- your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher
- your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
- your child is very tired or irritable
The agency also advised parents to call 999 or go to A&E if:
- your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
- there are pauses when your child breathes
- your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
- your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake
Dr Colin Brown, Deputy Director, UKHSA, said: "We are seeing a higher number of cases of Group A strep this year than usual. The bacteria usually causes a mild infection producing sore throats or scarlet fever that can be easily treated with antibiotics.
"In very rare circumstances, this bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause serious illness – called invasive Group A strep (iGAS).
"This is still uncommon; however, it is important that parents are on the lookout for symptoms and see a doctor as quickly as possible so that their child can be treated and we can stop the infection becoming serious.
"Make sure you talk to a health professional if your child is showing signs of deteriorating after a bout of scarlet fever, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection."
