Parents across Ireland agave been warned to keep children home if they show three specific symptoms heading into the final leg of term this festive season.
Strep A has become a major cause for concern with cases on the rise and two child deaths noted by the HSE.
As a result of these developments with the infection, new ‘Covid-style’ rules are being implemented to form a barrier of protection in schools across the country.
READ MORE: Strep A infection Ireland: What is it, top symptoms, can adults get it and how it’s spread
Schools have been advised that children with a fever, cough or a sore throat should be kept at home in a bid to tackle any further spread.
In a letter sent to schools by the HSE on Wednesday evening, the health service advised 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.”
The HSE also advised that symptoms of a viral infection include:
- a runny or blocked nose
- a mild fever
- a cough
- tiredness
- a rash
“There have been cases of serious bacterial infections, specifically Group A Strep,” the HSE said.
“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 advised that parents 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,” it said.
“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.
To date in 2022, the HPSC has been notified of 55 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.
Meanwhile, 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 area of the country.
"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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