There have been seven deaths related to Strep A in Ireland, including four children, the Health Service Executive has said.
The HSE has said three adult deaths also occurred this year from the bacterial infection.
HSE Chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry said each fatality is a "tragic case", but emphasised that these cases are "exceptionally rare".
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Dr Henry said that Streptococcus as a bug is "much more common", which causes sore throat and scarlet fever.
"Death is exceptionally rare in children and for the great majority of children who have sore throats and fevers, they can be managed safely at home," Dr Henry added.
When asked if there is a shortage in basic antibiotics such as amoxicillin, Dr Henry said there is "enough antibiotics for streptococcal illness or for any other common bacterial illness".
"We have enough antibiotics to deal with people who require antibiotics, based on the solid clinical indications that general practitioners will be very familiar with out there in the community," Dr Henry said.
Strep A infections are usually mild and can be easily treated with antibiotics.
Illnesses caused by the Group A strep bacteria include skin infection impetigo, scarlet fever and strep throat.
There has been a big increase in the number of scarlet fever cases.
Symptoms of scarlet fever include sore throat, headache and fever, along with a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a "sandpapery" feel.
On darker skin, the rash can be harder to see but will still be "sandpapery".
Strep A infections can develop into a more serious invasive Group A Strep (iGAS) infection - though this is rare.
Strep A: HSE advice on what parents should look out for
The Health Service Executive earlier this month wrote to schools and childcare providers advising them that children with fever, cough and sore throat should be kept home to combat a "significant increase in viral infections" and amid concerns about Group A Strep.
The letters advised that "there has been a large increase in general viral infections among children and young people this winter. There have also been recent concerns about a rare bacterial infection... iGAS... also known as Group A Strep".
It said that "Ireland has seen cases of more serious (Group A Strep) infections recently", but said that "so far the rate of serious infection is below the level seen before the Covid-19 pandemic".
Earlier in December, the World Health Organization and European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention said Europe should be vigilant against severe infections caused by group A Streptococcus in children under 10 years old.
