Dr Catherine Conlon: Why are strep A case numbers rising and what can parents do?

While iGAS infections are still uncommon, there has been a slight increase in cases reported this year in Ireland, particularly in children aged under 10, and a small number of deaths

The increase in cases in the last quarter of 2022 was unusual as iGAS infections typically peak in the first half of the year. File photo.

THE harrowing account of the parents of Vivienne Murphy, who died as a result of invasive Group A streptococcus, has focused attention on the potential for rapid and severe disease.

Notifications of invasive Group A streptococcus (iGAS) infections in Ireland have increased since October 2022, according to an update from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) earlier this month.