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Belfast Live
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Sophie Collins

Strep A confirmed as cause of death of child, 4, in Dublin after investigation

A four-year-old child has died from an invasive form of Strep A in the Dublin area, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has said.

Irish Mirror report that health officials earlier this week said it was investigating whether the death was linked to the bacterial infection.

In a statement on Wednesday, the HSE said: "Group A Streptococcal infection was found to be the cause of the infection associated with their death."

Read more: Symptom checker for Strep A and scarlet fever amid increasing cases

The HSE has now issued guidance to schools and parents on pinpointing the key symptoms, the Irish Mirror report.

Dr Eamonn O'Moore, director of the HSE's 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 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."

New advice asks parents to be vigilant to the known symptoms and to act quickly if a child is seriously unwell, and is showing signs of their condition worsening.

"As a parent, if you feel that your child is seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement," the HSE advice states.

With high rates of Group A Strep and scarlet fever among children in Northern Ireland, the Belfast Trust has updated its symptom checker with details on symptoms and the options available to help.

It comes as tributes continue to be paid to five-year-old Stella-Lilly McCorkindale, who died as a case of Strep A was reported at the primary school she attended.

The Belfast Trust said: "We understand that parents may be very concerned if their child is experiencing symptoms of infection.

"We would encourage all parents to check the Belfast Trust online symptom checker where you can find quick, informative and trustworthy information about how to care for your child at home, support available from local pharmacies and GPs, and when to bring your child to hospital."

Eight children in Great Britain have died with a form of Strep A.

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