A four-year-old child in Dublin has died from an invasive form of Strep A, the HSE has said.
Health officials earlier this week said it was investigating whether the death in the Dublin area was linked to the bacterial infection that is sweeping across the UK.
In a statement on Wednesday, the HSE said "Group A Streptococcal infection was found to be the cause of the infection associated with their death."
READ MORE: Strep A: The three symptoms parents need to keep their kids home with as alarm raised by HSE
The HSE has now issued guidance to schools and parents, pinpointing the key symptoms of infection to look out for.
Dr Eamonn O'Moore, director of the HSE's Health Protection Surveillance Centre, said: "The news of a child death with Strep A will be worrying for parents, but it's important to know that most children who get ill from Group A Strep infections will have a mild illness which can be treated with antibiotics.
"Group A Streptococci are a common bacteria that are often and usually relatively mild and self-limiting. They can cause infections like tonsillitis and pharyngitis and scarlet fever.
"The HPSC is closely monitoring Strep A and scarlet fever and as yet there is no evidence that a new strain is in circulation."
New advice asks parents to be vigilant to the known symptoms and to act quickly if a child is seriously unwell, and is showing signs of their condition worsening.
"As a parent, if you feel that your child is seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement," the HSE advice states.
The news comes after five-year-old Stella-Lily McCorkindale, from Belfast, died from the infection after being sent home twice in the days leading up to her death.
The Belfast Trust responded to this claim and said it is carefully reviewing every aspect of her care while health authorities have now contacted schools and childcare providers with updated information on Strep A infections in a bid to avoid any further fatalities.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has so far been notified of 56 invasive Strep A cases in Ireland - 15 of which were in children aged under 10.
Schools have been advised that children with a fever, cough or sore throat should be kept at home in a bid to tackle any further spread.
“Children with symptoms are more likely to spread infections,” a letter from the HSE said. “For example, they may spread flu or bacterial infections.
“Staying home when unwell will help prevent spread to other children, families and staff.”
Symptoms to look out for include:
- a runny or blocked nose
- a sore throat
- a mild fever
- a cough
- tiredness
- a rash
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