Strep A - or Group A streptococcus (GAS) - is a bacteria that is found on the throat or skin.
Usually, it causes only a mild illness - with symptoms such as a sore throat or a skin infection - and is treatable with antibiotics.
On rare occasions, the bacteria can result in a severe illness called invasive Group A Streptococcal disease (iGAS).
iGAS occurs when the bacteria gets into blood, deep muscle or lungs - areas which are usually bacteria free.
Early signs of iGAS include:
- A fever
- Pain in one part of your body
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Muscle aches
- Redness close to a wound
The HSE has said parents should contact their GP if:
- Their child is getting worse
- Their child is feeding or eating much less than normal
- Their child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
- Their baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39C or higher
- Their baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
- Their child is very tired or irritable
Call 999 or go to an Emergency Department if:
- Their child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
- There are pauses when their child breathes
- Their child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
- Their child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake
