Schools will be advised that children with a fever, cough or a sore throat should stay at home in a bid to tackle Strep A.
In a letter to be sent to schools by the HSE this evening, seen by the Irish Mirror, the health service will advise that it has seen a “large increase in general viral infections among children and young people this winter”.
“There have also been recent concerns about a rare bacterial infection. This infection is iGAS (an invasive Group A Streptococcal infection),” the letter says.
“It is also known as Group A Strep.
“We have seen a significant increase in the usual winter viral infections. This includes an increase in flu. This is because children are mixing together more. In previous years social contact was much reduced. This in turn reduced the rates of routine infection.”
In the letter, the HSE will advise that symptoms of a viral infection include a runny or blocked nose, a mild fever, a cough, tiredness and a rash.
“There have been cases of serious bacterial infections, specifically Group A Strep,” the HSE will say.
“Severe infection is rare. Group A Strep more commonly causes infections such as, tonsillitis, scarlet fever and skin infections
“Ireland has seen cases of more serious infections recently. But so far there has been no increase compared to what we saw before the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The HSE will advise that parents should be told that if a child is unwell or if they have a fever, cough or sore throat they should stay at home.
“Children with symptoms are more likely to spread infections,” they will say.
“For example, they may spread flu or bacterial infections.
“Staying home when unwell will help prevent spread to other children, families and staff.”
Measures implemented during Covid-19, including covering coughs and sneezes and handwashing, should also be encouraged.
Parents should also ensure that children have received all their vaccines, including the nasal flu vaccines.
The HSE will state that while there is no vaccine against Strep A, other vaccines will “‘stop your child getting an infection and make them less likely to be unwell if they do get an infection”.
“The most important ways to prevent the spread of all infections are making sure anyone unwell stays at home and children and adults are up to date with their recommended vaccines, including flu,” the letter will continue.
Parents will also be advised to check the HSE website if they are concerned about their child as information on coughs, fevers, rashes and symptoms of concern will be posted here.
The letter will be sent to schools this Wednesday evening by Dr Eamonn O’Moore, Director of National Health Protection and Dr Abigail Collins, National Clinical Lead Child Health Public Health at the HSE.
Schools will be informed that the letter can be shared with parents, guardians and staff.
The HSE confirmed on Wednesday that a child under five years old had died from Strep A infection. Local Public Health is supporting the family and the school attended by the child.
Dr Éamonn O’Moore, Director of HSE 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 a 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. 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."
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