The HSE has made a public appeal for parents to keep their children off school if they become sick.
In a letter addressed to schools and childcare providers, the Health Service Executive advised that any child with a fever, cough and sore throat should be kept at home as a precaution.
The letter also stated that parents should ensure that their child is able to take other preventative measures, such as covering coughs and sneezes, washing their hands on a regular basis, and keeping up to date on vaccinations, such as the flu and Covid vaccines.
The request comes amid a fresh wave of concern surrounding the spread of viral infections in classrooms, including strep A.
"There has been 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 [...] also known as Group A Strep", the HSE wrote.
Worries surrounding strep A have grown over the past few days, with the news of two young deaths as a result of the virus.
On Tuesday, it was announced that a five-year-old girl had died in Belfast after contracting strep A. Then, news broke yesterday that a four-year-old had passed away in Dublin with an illness related to strep A.
The HSE has noted to parents that in the vast majority of cases amongst children, strep A is a mild illness which can be easily treated with antibiotics. However, given the unusual increase in cases, medical experts have advised parents to be mindful when their child becomes ill.
"I would always say to parents to trust your instinct, and if you feel your child isn't getting better with routine responses, then it’s important to contact your GP or health professional," Chief Medical Officer Professor Breda Smyth said.
The most common symptoms of strep A include a sore throat, fever, swollen glands and occasionally, a rash that feels like sandpaper to touch.
Parents who have significant concerns about their child’s health are being urged to contact their local GP as we delve deeper into flu season.
