Strep A is being “actively considered” as a possible cause of death after a four-year-old child passed away. 

Dr Éamonn O'Moore, HSE Director of Health Protection, told RTÉ that Strep A is one of a number of illnesses that is being considered as a contributory factor in the child's death.

He said it hadn't been confirmed yet, and that it is subject to laboratory investigation.

The child died in the public health area which takes in North Dublin and the north-east of the country.

The latest figures have revealed that over 55 cases of Strep A have been confirmed in Ireland and two older people have died.

The recent death of a five-year-old girl in the North has been linked to the infection and several children have died in Britain as well. 

What is Strep A? 

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

To minimise catching the disease, members of the public are advised to wash their hands thoroughly. 

iGAS is classified as a notifiable disease in Ireland, which means health practitioners must alert the Director of Public Health if they come across a case.

Reporting by Andrew Louth and James Wilson. 

Main image: A doctor.