๐ฆ Strep A Update
Mr J Sharp
Important note for Parents and Carers
Please see the attached letter from the UK Health Security Agency. They are writing to inform you of a recent national increase in infections caused by a bacteria called Group A Streptococcus.
The Manchester Public Health Team have created local versions of this advice for your ease of use.
Group A Streptococcus bacteria can cause illnesses like scarlet fever.
Scarlet fever is an infectious illness that normally affects young children (2-8 years old).
It causes flu-like symptoms, including a high temperature, sore throat and swollen neck glands (lump on side of neck).
It spreads when people cough.
After 12-48 hours it causes small, raised bumps that feel rough like sandpaper on the chest and tummy area. On white skin the rash looks ping or red. It can be harder to see on brown or black skin, but you can still feel it.
These pictures will help you:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet-fever/
https://dftbskindeep.com/all-diagnoses/scarlet-fever/
If you notice any of these symptoms, please keep your child at home and speak to your GP to see if treatment is needed.
For most children this is not a serious condition and they will be able to go back to school 24 hours after starting antibiotics.
In very rare cases it can cause more serious illness. If your child gets worse after having scarlet fever, please don't wait, talk to a health professional or ring 111 for help.
In the meantime, please encourage your child to wash their hands, cough into a tissue and put the tissue in a bin.
Dear Parent(s) / Carer(s),
Re: Increase in scarlet fever
We are writing to inform you of a recent national increase in notifications of scarlet fever to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), above seasonal expected levels.
We would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the signs, symptoms and the actions to be taken if you think that you or your child might have scarlet fever.
Signs and symptoms of scarlet fever
Scarlet fever is a common childhood infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A Streptococcus (GAS). It is not usually serious, but should be treated with antibiotics to reduce the risk of complications (such as pneumonia) and spread to others. The early symptoms of scarlet fever include sore throat, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. After 12 to 48 hours, the characteristic red, pinhead rash develops, typically first appearing on the chest and stomach, then rapidly spreading to other parts of the body, and giving the skin a sandpaper-like texture. The scarlet rash may be harder to spot on darker skin, although the 'sandpaper' feel should be present. Patients typically have flushed cheeks and be pale around the mouth. This may be accompanied by a bright red red โstrawberryโ tongue.
If you think you, or your child, might have scarlet fever:
contact your GP or NHS 111 as soon as possible
make sure that you or your child take(s) the full course of any antibiotics prescribed. Although you or your child will feel better soon after starting the course of antibiotics, you must complete the course to ensure that you do not carry the bacteria in your throat after you have recovered
stay at home, away from nursery, school or work for at least 24 hours after starting the antibiotic treatment, to avoid spreading the infection
You can help stop the spread of infection through frequent hand washing and by not sharing eating utensils, clothes, bedding and towels. All contaminated tissues should be disposed of immediately.
Invasive Group A Strep (iGAS)
The same bacteria which cause scarlet fever can also cause a range of other types of infection such as skin infections (impetigo) and sore throat. In very rare cases, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause an illness called invasive group A strep (iGAS). Whilst still very uncommon, there has been an increase in iGAS cases this year, particularly in children under 10 years old. It is very rare for children with scarlet fever to develop iGAS infection.
As a parent, you should trust your own judgement.
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 โ you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
there are pauses when your child breathes
your childโs skin, tongue or lips are blue
your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake
Stop the spread
During periods of high incidence of scarlet fever, there may also be an increase in outbreaks in schools, nurseries and other childcare settings. Children and adults with suspected scarlet fever should stay off nursery / school / work until 24 hours after the start of appropriate antibiotic treatment. Good hygiene practice such as hand washing remains the most important step in preventing and controlling spread of infection.
Yours sincerely,
UK Health Security Agency
Resources
Scarlet fever: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment