Authorities move to reassure parents as Strep A confirmed in child’s death

ireland
Authorities Move To Reassure Parents As Strep A Confirmed In Child’s Death
Public health staff are supporting the family of the four-year-old child, the HSE said. Photo: PA Images
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Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

Health authorities have moved to reassure parents after it was confirmed that an invasive form of Strep A was linked to the death of a four-year-old child.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) had been investigating whether invasive Group A streptococcal had been a factor in the death of the child in the north-east of the country.

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“We can now confirm that invasive Group A Streptococcal infection was found to be the cause of the infection associated with their death,” it said.

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Public health staff are supporting the family, as well as the school the child had attended.

Health authorities have contacted schools and childcare providers with information on Strep A infections, including scarlet fever and other winter viruses.

The chief medical officer (CMO) Prof Breda Smyth and health authorities have stressed that while it is a worrying time for parents, most children who get ill from a Strep A infection will have a mild illness which can be treated with antibiotics.

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The advice stresses that if a child is seriously unwell, particularly if they are getting worse, professional medical advice should be sought.

“As a parent, if you feel that your child is seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement,” the HSE advice states.

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.

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“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.”

 

Since the beginning of October, there has been a small increase in invasive Strep A in the State.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has so far been notified of 56 invasive Strep A cases.

While 15 were in children under 10, this compares with 22 cases in children under 10 for the same period in 2019.

Although Group A Streptococcal infections like scarlet fever are common, the more serious invasive infections – also known as 'iGAS' – are rare.

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Explained: What are the signs of Strep A infection...
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The HSE said that during the pandemic, normal social mixing was interrupted, which has led to changes in how diseases such as Strep A presented this winter.

A fever, a raised rash which can feel rough to the touch like sandpaper, a sore throat, and a swollen tongue are among the symptoms of GAS infections.

Parents and school staff with concerns have been urged to use information on the HSE and HPSC websites.

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