HSE investigating if child's death is linked to Strep A

The Health Service Executive (HSE) is investigating whether the death of a four-year-old child could be linked to the bacterial infection, Strep A. 

Dr Eamonn O'Moore, Director for National Health Protection with the HSE and HPSC, told RTÉ's News at One on Tuesday that the illness is one of a number of conditions that are being considered as contributory factors.

"This is still being considered actively, so as I speak to you we haven't confirmed that, it is subject to further laboratory investigation," he said.

However, he added that it was "reasonable" to say it "is among the differential diagnoses at this time". 

He said there had been 55 confirmed cases of the invasive Group A Streptococcal disease (Strep A) in Ireland to date.

Dr O'Moore also confirmed that two deaths had been associated with this illness. Both of these deaths were in older people.

It has also been confirmed that a five-year-old child at a Belfast primary school, where a severe case of Strep A was reported last week, has died.

Parents of the youngest pupils at Black Mountain Primary School received a letter from the Public Health Agency on Friday to tell them a pupil had been diagnosed with a severe form of Strep A.

On Tuesday morning, the school spoke of its “tragic loss” and said “the thoughts of the entire school are with the pupil’s family and friends at this difficult time”. 

It said in a statement: “To assist in supporting our pupils and staff at this sad time, additional trained staff from the Education Authority Critical Incident Response Team have been engaged and will be providing support to the school.

“A letter has been sent by the school to parents, informing them of our tragic loss and providing information on the support services available through school for our children during this incredibly sad time.

“We recognise that this news may cause worry amongst our school community and we want to reassure parents that we continue to work closely with the Public Health Agency at this time.”

Advice from the HSE on respiratory illnesses and recommended treatments are available here