Scarlet Fever

Schools in Devon are currently seeing an increase in notifications of scarlet fever and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has now provided Local Authorities with one letter tor schools and one which can be sent  out to parents.

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). 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).

Infections can be spread through direct physical contact between children (and staff) and through shared contact with surfaces such as table tops, taps, toys and handles. As per national ‘Health protection in children and young people settings, including education’ guidance, children and adults with suspected scarlet fever should be excluded from nursery/school/work for 24 hours after the commencement of appropriate antibiotic treatment. Good hygiene practice such as hand washing, regular cleaning of classrooms and equipment and good ventilation are the most important steps in preventing and controlling spread of infection. An outbreak of scarlet fever is two or more scarlet fever cases attending the same school/nursery or other childcare setting notified within 10 days of each other.

The main guidance document for all infections which includes clear advice on scarlet fever and what schools need to do is: Health protection in children and young people settings, including education – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). There is also a section on impetigo.