  We compare recent lattice QCD calculations of higher order cumulants of
net-strangeness fluctuations with hadron resonance gas (HRG) model
calculations. Up to the QCD transition temperature Tc=( 154 +/- 9) MeV we find
good agreement between QCD and HRG model calculations of second and fourth
order cumulants, even when subtle aspects of net-baryon number, strangeness and
electric charge fluctuations are probed. In particular, the fourth order
cumulants indicate that also in the strangeness sector of QCD the failure of
HRG model calculations sets in quite abruptly in the vicinity of the QCD
transition temperature and is apparent in most observables for T > 160 MeV.
