The HSE has confirmed that two more children have died from invasive Strep A this year.An adult also died from the infection. In 2022, 12 people passed away from severe Strep A (iGAS). Four of those were children.A spokesperson for the HSE expressed concerns about a rise in iGAS cases.They told The Independent;"Other European countries and the UK have experienced similar upsurges. During this upsurge, children were disproportionately affected."Cases have started to decrease since December, but the HSE has urged parents to remain vigilant.The spokesperson said cases will likely be lower as we enter springtime.Many parents have been feeling concerned about the virus, but health experts have stressed that scarlet fever can be treated with antibiotics.The HPSC in Ireland listed the symptoms of scarlet fever to look out for.Symptoms include a fever, a rash, flushed cheeks, and a sore throat. Your child will also have a swollen tongue.The tongue may be covered in a white coating. This coating will then peel and leave the tongue swollen and red. This is known as 'strawberry tongue'.The rash is typically found in the joint creases, as well as over the child's stomach. It can feel rough, like sandpaper.Children who contract scarlet fever often have a mild infection. Complications are rare, but they're still possible.Complications include ear infections, throat abscesses, and pneumonia.In extreme cases, children may develop kidney damage, as well as heart damage, but these complications are rare if the child is treated promptly. Antibiotics will also help prevent complications.
‘I just focused on small habits I could actually stick to’ People are praising this ‘brilliant’ fitness app that’s helping people lose weight without having to cut calories. The Simple Life app is a weight loss tool that helps you avoid restrictive dieting, users take a questionnaire and it builds a plan personalised to you. […]
Endometriosis is thought to affect around one in 10 women in Ireland. For many women, getting an endometriosis diagnosis can take years. However, according to Oxford University, a new scan technique may help spot the condition earlier. The innovative technique uses CT scans combined with a molecular tracer to detect areas of early endometriosis, which […]
The Social Democrats are calling for an end to the three-day waiting period The Social Democrats will introduce a bill aimed at updating Ireland’s current abortion laws. The Social Democrats are calling for an urgent change to the ‘patronising and paternalistic’ abortion laws in Ireland. Holly Cairns and her party are fighting for an end […]
