‘Listen to your instincts’: CMO gives advice to parents as HSE investigates potential Strep A link to death of girl

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) has issued advice to parents following the death of a second girl whose death may be linked to Group A streptococcus (Strep A).

The death of the four-year-old girl in North Dublin follows the death of a five-year-old girl in Northern Ireland, who has been named as Stella-Lilly McCorkindale.

According to the Irish Independent, Professor Breda Smyth said an investigation is ongoing to determine if the four-year-old girl died from Strep A.

She also urged parents to contact their GP if their child isn’t getting better and to 'listen to your instincts.'

Professor Breda Smyth said that despite the growing concerns surrounding Strep A, she stressed that rates of infection are currently lower than pre-pandemic.

She further said: "We are keeping a very close eye on it, as we know a lot of bugs are circulating at the moment."

Prof Smyth also said that warning signs to be on the lookout for include a persistent fever that is not responding to paracetamol, Prof Smyth said.

"If they (children) are offered food, particularly if they're not drinking…these are all telltale signs," the CMO added.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has also weighed in on the situation, and said that the government is monitoring the situation very carefully.

He also said that Prof Smyth and her team are looking at the potential use of antibiotics for children in settings where outbreaks have occurred.

STREP A SUMMARY

Strep A, which is a bacterial form of infection, can cause many different infections.

These can range from minor illnesses to serious and deadly diseases.

The bacteria are commonly found in the throat and on the skin, and some people have no symptoms.

Infections cause by Strep A include the skin infection impetigo, scarlet fever and strep throat.

Further information about the infection can be found by clicking here.