The Department of Public Health Midwest says it’s closely monitoring national and international trends relating to Strep A, following an increase in infections since the beginning of October.
It comes as the HSE has written to schools warning of a ‘significant increase’ in viral infections circulating.
GPs have also been urged to be vigilant for the signs and symptoms of Strep A – a common bacterial infection – that can cause severe illness in serious cases.
Common signs include fatigue or a fever that persists, despite treating your child with calpol or paracetamol.
The HSE’s Chief Clinical Officer, Colm Henry, says serious cases of Strep A are very rare.
How is it spread?
GAS is spread by close contact with an infected person and can be passed on through coughs and sneezes or from a wound. It can be spread by someone who is not showing any symptoms, but the risk of spread is much greater when the person is unwell.
How can we stop infections from spreading?
Good hand and respiratory hygiene are important for stopping the spread of many bugs. By teaching your child how to wash their hands properly with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, using a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, and keeping away from others when feeling unwell, they will be able to reduce the risk of picking up, or spreading, infections.
What infections does invasive group A strep cause?
Necrotising fasciitis, necrotising pneumonia and Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome are some of the most severe but rare forms of invasive group A strep.
What should parents look out for?
It’s always concerning when a child is unwell. GAS infections cause various symptoms such as sore throat, fever, chills and muscle aches.
As a parent, if you feel that your child is seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement.
Contact 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 38C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39C 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
Call 999 or go to an Emergency Department 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
For more information on GAS: https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/other/groupastreptococcaldiseasegas/title-22663-en.html
Is it just young people that should be concerned or are other age cohorts at risk?
While GAS can affect people of all ages, it can have a negative impact on extremes of age; the very young and elderly, and including those with weakened immune systems or chronic conditions.
