The HSE is investigating whether a four-year-old child died from Strep A in Ireland.
Concern is growing about the bacterial infection, which has already claimed the lives of nine children.
Among them is a five-year-old girl from Belfast, who died last night after being admitted to hospital with a reported Strep A infection.
READ MORE: Girl, 5, dies from reported Strep A case in Belfast as parents urged to know symptoms
The eight other suspected Strep A deaths involve children in England and Wales.
Now the Director for National Health Protection with the HSE and HPSC has said Strep A is being “actively investigated” as a potential cause of death in a child here.
The child died in the Public Health Group 'Area A’, which encompasses the northeast of Ireland and north Dublin.
Dr Eamonn O'Moore told RTE’s News at One: “This is still being considered actively, so as I speak to you we haven't confirmed that, it is subject to further laboratory investigation. But it is reasonable to say it is among the differential diagnoses at this time.
"We will take our time and due diligence in ensuring we get the correct diagnosis."
Group A strep bacteria can cause many different infections, ranging from minor illnesses to deadly diseases. The range of illnesses includes the skin infection impetigo, scarlet fever and strep throat.
While the vast majority of infections are relatively mild, Strep A infections can develop into a more serious invasive Group A Streptococcal (iGAS) disease, though this is rare.
Dr O’Moore said 55 cases of Group A Streptococcal disease (Strep A) in Ireland have been confirmed to date, of which 16 were children, and two deaths have been associated with the illness, both in older people.
The UK’s Health Security Agency said there has been a rise in rare invasive Group A strep this year, particularly in children under the age of 10.
Parents are being urged to familiarise themselves with the symptoms in order to act fast if their child becomes ill.
What are the symptoms of Strep A?
Health officials say parents should contact the HSE or their 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
Parents are also advised 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
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