Published: Tuesday 6 December 2022
You may have seen media reports recently that a number of children in the UK, but not in the borough, have been diagnosed with Strep A (streptococcus A) and tragically some have died as a result. This is the bacteria that can cause scarlet fever and severe sore throats.
I would like to tell you what symptoms to look out for, and what to do should your children become unwell.
Strep A infection is usually a mild illness that can be easily treated with antibiotics. But in rare circumstances it can get into the bloodstream and cause serious illness, called invasive Group A strep. This is uncommon. However, it is important that parents and carers are on the lookout for symptoms and see a doctor as quickly as possible so that their child can be treated, and we can stop the infection becoming serious.
Symptoms
The first signs of scarlet fever can be flu-like symptoms, including a high temperature, a sore throat and swollen neck glands (a large lump on the side of your neck). A rash appears 12 to 48 hours later. It looks like small, raised bumps and starts on the chest and tummy, then spreads. On darker skin, the rash can be more difficult to detect visually, but on all skin types it will have a sandpapery feel.
Contact NHS 111 or your GP if you suspect your child has scarlet fever. Early treatment with antibiotics is important to reduce any risk of complications.
If your child has scarlet fever, keep them at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others. Please also inform your school or nursery.
If your child has chickenpox and scarlet fever at the same time or close together it can make your child particularly poorly, so it is important to contact your GP.
If you think your child is getting worse
Make sure you talk to a health professional (NHS 111 or your GP) if your child is showing signs of deteriorating after a bout of scarlet fever, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection. As a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement.
Stopping the spread of infections
Good hand and respiratory hygiene are important for stopping the spread of many bugs. By teaching your child how to wash their hands properly with soap for 20 seconds, using a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, and keeping away from others when feeling unwell, they will be able to reduce the risk of picking up or spreading infections.
Strep A is spread by close contact with an infected person and can be passed on through coughs and sneezes or from a wound.
Some people can have the bacteria present in their body without feeling unwell or showing any symptoms of infections and while they can pass it on, the risk of spread is much greater when a person is unwell.
Sources of advice on how to manage childhood illnesses
For more advice about scarlet fever visit the NHS website.