STREPTOCOCCAL SEPSIS: a rare complication to be aware of

ACCORDING to Professor Karina Butler, chair of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, “Development of sepsis, and in particular Group A streptococcal sepsis in association with chickenpox, is a rare but important potential complication for parents to be aware of.

“Persistence of high fever, or development of new fever, during the course of chickenpox should always alert one to the possibility of a secondary bacterial infection.

“Other signs to watch out for include redness spreading from the chickenpox lesions or the presence of very painful lesions.”

Prof Butler continued, “The chickenpox vaccine is an effective and safe vaccine that is licensed and marketed for use in Ireland. Parents can request it from their GP. However, as it is not yet part of the National Primary Immunisation Programme, the cost for the vaccine and its administration is borne by the parent.”

Finally, she said, “The National Immunisation Programme is a dynamic programme with data related to potential vaccines evaluated for safety and efficacy, the burden of disease within our society, the potential overall benefit of the vaccine to society and, finally, the cost.

Unfortunately, there are always a range of competing priorities, both within the immunisation arena and within the overall health service. However, the feasibility of adding the chickenpox vaccine to the national programme is currently undergoing evaluation. Prevention of chickenpox and its complications would be welcomed by all.”