Condolences Offered Following Loss Of 5-Year-Old Child To Strep A

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has oand expressed sympathy to the family of a five-year-old child who has died following an illness linked to the bacterial infection strep A.

She also urged all parents to be vigilant for symptoms of concern.

The young girl, a pupil of Black Mountain Primary School in west Belfast, became seriously ill last week with a severe form of strep A and was treated in intensive care at Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, before sadly passing away on Monday, 05 December.

Reports say that the UK is experiencing a widespread outbreak of strep A and also scarlet fever, which can occur as a result of the infection.

Ms Bradshaw said: "On behalf of the Alliance Party, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the family of the young girl. These are such sad and tragic circumstances for her loved ones and the entire school community. Their pain at this time is unimaginable, and my thoughts are with them today.

"The prevalence of strep A infection this winter and the complications we are seeing develop in some cases are very worrying, especially in cases in young children. I welcome the swift intervention of the Public Health Agency (PHA) and would encourage parents to avail of the preventative course of antibiotics on offer for their child(ren) where available."

Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has expressed deep sadness.

He said: "I am deeply saddened to learn that a child has died from an illness linked to Strep A.

"My immediate thoughts are with this little girl’s family at this very sad and difficult time.

"Health officials have urged parents to be vigilant for a potential rise in Strep A and scarlet fever over the next few weeks.

And while it’s believed that most cases will be mild, I would urge people to follow the advice and keep sick children at home as it can be very contagious.

"Anyone with a high fever, severe muscle aches, pain in one area of the body and unexplained vomiting or diarrhoea should seek medical help immediately."