A family in Cork spoke out this week about their daughter who died of invasive Group A Strep infection four years ago.
They have claimed their little girl, Vivienne, would still be alive if doctors had spotted the signs of the potentially fatal condition sooner.
Now, Lilly and Dermot Murphy are calling for greater awareness of the dangers of Strep A, and what to look out for as parents and guardians.
READ MORE: When should I take my child to A&E with Strep A? Irish pharmacist's crucial advice to parents
In light of this tragic story, we have listed all the information you need to know, according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre - which published this advice in December 2022 amid a rise in the number of children dying from the bacterial illness.
What is Strep A?
"Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a common bacteria. Lots of us carry it in our throats and on our skin and it doesn’t always result in illness. However, GAS does cause a number of infections, some mild and some more serious.
"GAS causes infections in the skin, soft tissue and respiratory tract. It’s responsible for infections such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, scarlet fever, impetigo and cellulitis among others.
"The most serious infection caused by GAS occurs when it becomes invasive (invasive group A strep). This can happen when a person has sores or open wounds that allow the bacteria to get into the tissue, damage in their respiratory tract after a viral illness, or in a person who has a health condition that reduces their immunity to infection.
"When the immune system is compromised, a person is more vulnerable to invasive disease. This is called invasive Group A Strep (iGAS) and in rare cases it can be fatal.
"Whilst GAS infections are still uncommon, there has been a small increase in cases this year reported in the UK, particularly in children under 10 and sadly, a small number of deaths."
Most common symptoms
"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 three months and has a temperature of 38C, or is older than three 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
Can adults contract Strep A?
"Yes, adults can get it. However, the most serious infection caused by GAS occurs when it becomes invasive (invasive group A strep).
"iGAS infections are most common in the elderly, the very young, or people with an underlying risk factor."
How does 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.
"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."
How to protect yourself
"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 infection."
READ NEXT:
Singer Susan Boyle nearly unrecognisable as she's spotted in iconic Irish hotel
Meat, juice, sweets among food recalled by Dunnes, Aldi, Tesco and more Irish supermarkets right now
Girl, 4, hospitalised after being attacked by pack of 'dangerous dogs'
Viewers all saying same thing about 'dark and sinister' character in second episode of Kin
Inside the Dail gym that fewer politicians than ever are using
Get news updates direct to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter here
