Nursery staff are asking parents to be vigilant and to take quick action if they identify signs or symptoms of scarlet fever and strep throat in their children. In letters seen by WalesOnline, nurseries are urging parents that in the event of their child presenting signs of a sore throat, to seek medical attention. It comes after a Penarth schoolgirl died from Strep A after coming home from school with a mild cough.
Public Health Wales (PHW) has reminded parents that cases of invasive group A streptococcal infection remain rare in Wales and that children have a very low risk of contracting the disease. They issued the update after it was confirmed that at least six children have died of an invasive form of the Strep A bacterial infection in recent months. Downing Street has urged people to be on the "lookout" for symptoms after the rise in infections but stressed that the NHS is "well prepared".
You'll often hear about scarlet fever in connection with strep A. Scarlet fever is one of the diseases that can be caused by strep A bacteria, but the bacteria can be responsible for other diseases. You can read our guide on everything you need to know about strep A, based on the advice from Public Health Wales and medical experts, here.
READ MORE: Strep A symptoms and signs to look out for including whether adults can get it
Nurseries have received guidance from Public Health Wales to assist them with the management of scarlet fever and strep throat infections, should they occur. In the letter sent to parents from one nursery in Cardiff, Public Health Wales stated that scarlet fever, sometimes called scarlatina, is an infectious disease caused by group A streptococcus (GAS) bacteria (also known as Streptococcus pyogenes). The infection can be caught through direct contact with an infected person, or through the air via droplets from coughs or sneezes.
The letter read: "Dear parents, please find attached extracts taken from recent guidance sent to us by public health to assist us in the management of scarlet fever and strep throat infections. Signs and symptoms of scarlet fever, sometimes called scarlatina, is an infectious disease caused by group A streptococcus (GAS) bacteria (also known as Streptococcus pyogenes).
"It is highly infectious and can be caught through direct contact with an infected person or through the air via droplets from coughs or sneezes. The characteristic symptom of scarlet fever is a widespread, fine pink-red rash that feels like sandpaper to the touch. Other symptoms include a high temperature, a flushed face and 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 and meningitis."
It also continued with advice and recommended actions for parents. It said: "Everyone to be aware of the possibility of this infection in children who become ill with a fever, sore throat or rash
Parents of unwell children should be advised to seek medical advice for diagnosis and treatment A person with scarlet fever should withdraw from your setting for 24 hours after the commencement of appropriate antibiotic treatment
Scarlet fever circulating at the same time as chickenpox or influenza can increase the risk of invasive disease 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
"Staff remain vigilant of signs and symptoms of the conditions and ask that in the event that your child presents with a sore throat they seek medical attention."
Despite nurseries starting to issue warnings to parents, Public Health Wales have reassured the public that people getting seriously ill from this infection is still very rare. You can read what they have to say here.
Signs and symptoms of scarlet fever
The symptoms of scarlet fever include a sore throat, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. This is followed by a fine red rash, which typically first appears on the chest and stomach, rapidly spreading to other parts of the body. Older children may not have the rash. 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. You can read our guide on scarlet fever, including what to do if you or your child catches it and the importance of taking antibiotics, here.
Complications of scarlet fever and streptococcal infection
Public Health Wales state that 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 and meningitis.
Recommended action by PHW if scarlet fever and strep throat occur in a nursery
- Everyone to be aware of the possibility of this infection in children who become ill with a fever, sore throat or rash.
- Parents of unwell children should be advised to seek medical advice for diagnosis and treatment.
- A person with scarlet fever should withdraw from your setting for 24 hours after the commencement of appropriate antibiotic treatment.
- Scarlet fever circulating at the same time as chickenpox or influenza can increase the risk of invasive disease.
- Good hand hygiene and avoidance of the spread of respiratory secretions (as per influenza- “catch it, bin it, kill it”) can help to prevent the spread of infection.
Nurseries have also advised that they will be vigilant with the signs and symptoms of the infections and ask parents to ensure their children seek medical attention if they have a sore throat.
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