07/12/2022
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."
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."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 March 2024
Parents Urged To Vaccinate Children Following Whooping Cough Rise
Pregnant women and the parents of young children have been urged to book an appointment for the pertussis vaccine to help protect their children following a significant rise in cases of whooping cough.
Parents Urged To Vaccinate Children Following Whooping Cough Rise
Pregnant women and the parents of young children have been urged to book an appointment for the pertussis vaccine to help protect their children following a significant rise in cases of whooping cough.
21 March 2014
Severe Rise In Scarlet Fever Cases
Northern Ireland has been endured a sharp rise in the number of scarlet fever cases since Christmas, according to the Public Health Agency (PHA). It said that in the first eight weeks of 2014 there were 82 cases compared to 50 in the same period in 2013. During the last year a rise to 199 cases was also reported, compared to 130 cases in 2011.
Severe Rise In Scarlet Fever Cases
Northern Ireland has been endured a sharp rise in the number of scarlet fever cases since Christmas, according to the Public Health Agency (PHA). It said that in the first eight weeks of 2014 there were 82 cases compared to 50 in the same period in 2013. During the last year a rise to 199 cases was also reported, compared to 130 cases in 2011.
07 August 2003
One in three children born out of wedlock
One in three children born in Northern Ireland are conceived outside of marriage, new figures have revealed. The figure was part of statistics released today on the number of births and deaths registered in Northern Ireland in 2002, according to a new survey by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency.
One in three children born out of wedlock
One in three children born in Northern Ireland are conceived outside of marriage, new figures have revealed. The figure was part of statistics released today on the number of births and deaths registered in Northern Ireland in 2002, according to a new survey by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency.
23 June 2003
More action needed for cross-border child protection
A report on a North/South Conference on Child Protection has called for more action to be taken. Held last September, the conference gave local professionals a chance to discuss recommendations for a common approach to all child protection systems between Northern Ireland and the Republic.
More action needed for cross-border child protection
A report on a North/South Conference on Child Protection has called for more action to be taken. Held last September, the conference gave local professionals a chance to discuss recommendations for a common approach to all child protection systems between Northern Ireland and the Republic.
26 April 2024
PHA Highlights Continuing Importance Of Childhood Vaccinations
Marking World Immunisation Week, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has reminded parents that vaccination should remain a priority, particularly in light of the increase in whooping cough and measles cases.
PHA Highlights Continuing Importance Of Childhood Vaccinations
Marking World Immunisation Week, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has reminded parents that vaccination should remain a priority, particularly in light of the increase in whooping cough and measles cases.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.