Scarlet Fever Information
08 May 2024
Dear Parents and Carers,
We have been informed that several children who attend Handsworth Primary School have been diagnosed with scarlet fever.
We have received the following advice from local Health Protection team to share with you.
- The symptoms of scarlet fever include sore throat, headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting. This is followed by a fine red skin rash which typically first appears on the chest and stomach, rapidly spreading to other parts of the body. The face can be flushed red, but pale around the mouth. On brown and black skin, it might be harder to see a change in colour, but you can still feel the sandpaper-like texture of the rash and see the raised bumps
- Scarlet fever is treated with a course of antibiotics to minimise the risk of complications and reduce the spread to others.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO NEXT
If you think your child has a Group A Strep infection
- See your GP or contact NHS 111 as soon as possible. It is also preferable that a throat swab is taken to confirm the diagnosis.
- Make sure that your child takes the full course of any antibiotics prescribed by the doctor/healthcare professional.
- Anyone with symptoms suggestive of scarlet fever should stay at home, away from nursery, school, childcare setting or work for at least 24 hours after starting the antibiotic treatment, to avoid spreading the infection. If it is impetigo, they will need to remain away from setting for 48 hours.
If your child has had chickenpox or influenza (flu) infection recently
Children who have had chickenpox or flu recently are more likely to develop more serious illness during an outbreak of scarlet fever and so you should remain vigilant for additional symptoms such as a persistent high fever, skin infections and swollen, painful joints. If you are concerned, then please seek medical assistance immediately
If your child has an underlying condition which affects their immune system
You should contact your GP or hospital doctor to discuss whether any additional measures are needed
Be aware of invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infection
Please read the enclosed Group A Streptococcus (GAS) and Scarlet Fever factsheet which includes information about iGAS
As a parent, you should trust your own judgement.
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Further information on scarlet fever and Strep A is also available on the NHS website:
Scarlet Fever NHS
Strep A NHS
Kind regards,
Claire Nairne
Head Teacher