Saoirse was fourth child to die with Strep A

A YOUNG girl from Cork was the fourth child in the country to die after contracting Strep A.

So far this year, there have been seven deaths across the country due to infections, four of which have been in children.

Saoirse O’Sullivan, a pupil at Scoil Naomh Iosaf in Riverstown, Glanmire, is believed to have died after contracting Strep A. She died surrounded by her family in Cork University Hospital on Monday.

It has been reported that parents in the school community were informed yesterday that Saoirse’s death had been linked to the infection.

Margaret O’Sullivan, consultant in public health medicine for Cork and Kerry, told parents in a letter: ‘This department learned with very great sadness of the child’s passing. We extend our sincere condolences.’

She added: ‘The very sad news of a child death with iGAS [Strep A] infection will be extremely worrying for parents, but it’s important to know that most children who get ill from a Group A Strep infection will have a mild illness which can be treated with antibiotics.’

Saoirse’s death notice says she will be missed by her ‘heartbroken’ parents Mairéad and Noel, and sister, Erin, as well as the ‘wonderful’ friends, pupils and staff at Scoil Naomh Iosaf.

A spokesman for the HSE said the deaths in children all occurred since the beginning of October, but that it is not appropriate to compare this year’s rates with those of 2020 or 2021 as most infectious disease incidence rates were reduced due to pandemic measures.

‘It is more appropriate to compare to pre-pandemic iGAS rates specified below,’ he said.

‘In 2018 there were 11 iGAS deaths, two of whom were children. In 2019 there were eight iGAS deaths, two of whom were children.

‘The pattern and trends of iGAS cases are slightly different this year and the situation is being monitored closely. Overall, the numbers of iGAS deaths, including paediatric deaths, are very small and the current situation is not discernibly different from the pre-pandemic years. This is not outside what we would expect.’

Strep A is spread by close contact. It can be passed on through coughs and sneezes, or from a wound. It can cause infections in your skin, soft tissue, or respiratory system, such as your nose, throat and lungs. Symptoms can include sore throat, high temperature, chills or muscle aches.

However, symptoms are usually mild and can be treated at home.

Earlier this month, the HSE was investigating the death of a fouryear-old child in the Dublin area, which it was believed may have been linked to the invasive form of Strep A.

HSE Chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry has assured that while each death is a ‘tragic case’, these cases are ‘exceptionally rare’.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland on Wednesday, Dr Henry said: ‘Death is exceptionally rare in children and for the great majority of children who have sore throats and fevers, they can be managed safely at home.’

It was recently reported that several antibiotics are in short supply.

However, when asked on the programme if there is a shortage in basic antibiotics such as amoxicillin, Dr Henry said there are ‘enough antibiotics for streptococcal illness or for any other common bacterial illness’.

Each death ‘is a tragic case’