Public health experts have warned of a significant recent increase in a potentially deadly type of streptococcal infection.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) says there was a significant increase in invasive Group A Streptococcal (iGAS) infection notified in Ireland last year, and the number of cases is continuing to increase, including a rise in the number of cases reported in children.

There were 44 cases of iGAS in the first three months of this year, compared to 27 for the same period last year, a 63% increase.

The HPSC says 11 cases in children were reported in the first 10 weeks of 2013, compared to four in the same period in 2012.

Group A Streptococcus is a bacterium often found in the throat and on the skin. People may carry the bug in the throat or on the skin and have no symptoms of illness.

Most iGAS infections are relatively mild illnesses, such as 'strep throat' or impetigo. However, sometimes these bacteria can cause severe and even life-threatening conditions including bloodstream infection, cellulitis, pneumonia and meningitis.

The severe forms of the bug can also cause necrotising fascitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.

GPs and public health doctors have been advised that patients with symptoms that might indicate iGAS should immediately be referred to hospital.

These symptoms may include high fever, chills, sweats, and muscle pain. The most common initial symptoms of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome are fever and severe pain.