An increase in Strep A and scarlet fever cases in the UK - which have led to nine children dying - is worrying parents.
Scarlet fever is caused by the Strep A bacteria and is fairly common. Usually, scarlet fever just a mild illness, but it is highly infectious and can, in rare cases, develop into a more serious condition called invasive Group A strep (iGAS).
In the North East, there were a total of 59 scarlet fever cases in the seven days to December 4 and 34 in the previous week. Just one North East case developed into the iGAS Grouap A strep.
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Parents are being told to continue to send their children to school if they are fit and well. The advice is children should stay home if they have symptoms, and see a doctor. Children should still go into school if there has been an outbreak as long as they do not have symptoms themselves.
What happens if there is a Strep A/scarlet fever outbreak at my child's school?
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), a Government department, has said that if cases have been identified in a class, any pupil who shows any symptoms of scarlet fever should be assessed by a doctor. The doctor will then be able to prescribe antibiotics if needed.
Children are not infectious after 24 hours of treatment and the UKHSA says that children can return to school once they’re feeling well enough after this period.
If there is an 'outbreak' at a school - where there are two or more probable or confirmed cases within 10 days of each other - schools are advised to make sure that all children and employees that feel ill go home and don’t return until they are well.
Schools are also being told to carry out regular cleaning and consider stopping activities like messy play. Any decision on closing schools will be made locally by school management.
When should I keep my child off school if there is a Strep A outbreak?
If a parent suspects their child may have Strep A they should not attend school and should contact their doctor, a UKHSA spokesperson told ChronicleLive.
The Department for Education echoes the advice but says children who are well and have no symptoms can go into school even if there are confirmed cases from a fellow pupil or staff member.
If there are confirmed or suspected cases in an education setting there is no reason for children to be kept at home as long as they are well, says the Department for Education added.
Strep A infection and scarlet fever symptoms
The UKHSA says symptoms to watch out for include sore throat, fever, chills, muscle aches, and a raised bumpy rash.
Contact NHS 111 or your GP if:
- your child is getting worse
- your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
- your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
- your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39C or higher
- your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
- your child is very tired or irritable
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
- there are pauses when your child breathes
- your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
- your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake
When can my child go back to school after having Strep A/Scarlet fever?
The NHS and UKHSA say doctors will prescribe antibiotics to children diagnosed with scarlet fever. After 24 hours they will no longer be infectious and should return to school once they feel well.
The NHS adds: "If your child has scarlet fever, they'll need treatment with antibiotics from a GP. Otherwise they'll be infectious for two to three weeks. Your child can go back to school 24 hours after starting antibiotics."
What can I do to prevent Strep A and scarlet fever infections?
The usual advice for preventing infections applies to Strep A/scarlet fever. Wash hands and use tissues for coughs and sneezes and keeping away from others if you are ill will help to prevent the spread of the illness.
Read next:
- Newcastle primary issues warning to parents after pupil contracts scarlet fever
- GP shares Group A Strep advice for 'understandably nervous' parents
- Strep A tests sell out online as parents try to buy at-home kits
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