29/04/2024
Posted on: January 24th 2018
Scarlett Fever
We have been informed that there has been an isolated incident where a child has been diagnosed with scarlet fever. The child has received treatment through their local GP and has been cleared to return to school as normal.
The symptoms include a fine red rash which typically first appears on the chest and stomach, rapidly spreading to other parts of the body accompanied by of a sore throat, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. On more darkly-pigmented skin, the scarlet rash may be harder to spot, but it should feel like 'sandpaper'. The face can be flushed red but pale around the mouth.
If you think you, or your child, have scarlet fever:
• See your GP or contact NHS 111 as soon as possible, please note that Scarlett Fever can only be diagnosed by a medical professional after a swab has been taken
• Make sure that you/your child takes the full course of any antibiotics prescribed by the doctor
• Stay at home, away from nursery, school or work for at least 24 hours after starting the antibiotic treatment, to avoid spreading the infection
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.
Although scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, it should be treated with antibiotics to minimise the risk of complications and reduce the spread to others.
You can find more information via the Public Health England website (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/scarlet-fever-guidance-and-data), further advice can also be obtained from the Health Protection Team on 020 3764 0804 during office hours.
