Scarlet fever and invasive streptococcal disease

We are writing to you with some guidance since this infection mostly affects children aged under 10 years.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Scarlet fever

It can be caught through direct contact with an infected person or through the air via droplets from coughs or sneezes.

The characteristic symptom are:

• a widespread, fine pink-red rash that feels like sandpaper to touch.

Other symptoms include a

• high temperature,

• a flushed face

• a red, swollen tongue.

Treatment is straightforward and usually involves a course of penicillin antibiotics.

 

Complications of scarlet fever and streptococcal infection

Most cases of scarlet fever cause no complications, especially if the condition is properly treated. However, complications in the early stages of the disease can include:

• ear infection,

• throat abscess,

• sinusitis,

• pneumonia

• meningitis

Early signs of invasive disease include:

• high fever,

• severe muscle aches,

• local muscle tenderness,

• redness at the site of a wound.

If there are any concerns about invasive disease, then urgent medical advice must be sought.

 

Guidelines and actions

Be vigilant for pupils who become ill with a fever, sore throat or rash. If your child is unwell seek medical advice.

 

Anyone with scarlet fever should withdraw from School for 24 hours after the commencement of appropriate antibiotic treatment.

 

If 2 or more cases of scarlet fever occur at school within the same 10-day period, we will contact the Health Protection Team.

 

Good hand hygiene and avoidance of spread of respiratory secretions (as per influenza- “catch it, bin it, kill it”) can help to prevent the spread of infection

Source of advice:

NHS 111 Wales scarlet fever webpage https://111.wales.nhs.uk/encyclopaedia/s/article/scarletfever