Schools and parents are being advised to keep a close eye out for signs of Strep A in children after it has been linked to serious and life-threatening cases in recent days.
The HSE said it has launched an investigation into the death of a four-year-old child, which is believed to be linked to an invasive Strep A infection.
It is understood that the child’s close contacts have been given preventive antibiotics as public health officials assess on a case-by-case basis if this method of prevention needs to be rolled out on a wider scale.
READ MORE: Schoolgirl, 5, dies from reported Strep A case in Belfast as parents urged to know symptoms
Meanwhile, five-year-old Stella-Lily McCorkindale died in Belfast on Monday from a severe form of the bacterial infection.
The girl’s school, Black Mountain Primary School, released a statement after her death which read: “Stella-Lily was a very bright and talented little girl, and very popular with both staff and children, and will be greatly missed by everyone at school.”
Two adults over 55 have also died this year in Ireland after the bacterial infection invaded their blood, deep muscle or lungs.
Most cases of Strep A - also known as Group A streptococcus - are quite harmless and can cause strep throat, tonsillitis, and impetigo, which is a skin infection.
However, in rare cases, if the infection gets into the blood, deep muscle, or lungs, it can become fatal unless caught early and treated with antibiotics.
GPs are now being asked to be extremely cautious and after assessing a child for a sore throat, should sign a prescription for antibiotics.
A common sign of the infection in children, according to health experts is scarlet fever which causes fever, a raised rash that can feel rough to the touch like sandpaper, a sore throat, and a swollen tongue.
In a statement, the HSE confirmed: “To date in 2022, there have been 55 iGAS cases in Ireland, 14 were in children aged under 10-years-old compared to 22 cases in children aged under 10 for the same period in 2019”.
The HSE pointed out the bacteria is spread “by close contact with an infected person and can be passed on through coughs and sneezes or from a wound.
“Some people can have the bacteria present in their body without feeling unwell or showing any symptoms of infections and while they can pass it on, the risk of spread is much greater when a person is unwell”.
Schools are being told to ensure they are following Covid-style rules such as handwashing and adults are asked to advise children on respiratory hygiene rules.
Any child who shows symptoms of a sore throat should also stay at home.
Parents should contact their GP if their child is not eating as normal, has a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration.
They are advised to seek medical attention if their baby is under three months and has a temperature of 38C, or is older and has a temperature of 39C or higher.
Parents and guardians are also asked to check if the baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, if it feels sweaty, or if they are very tired or irritable.
The public can call 999 or go to an emergency department if a child is having difficulty breathing and their tummy is sucking under their ribs.
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