3 March 2014
Dear Parents
SCARLET FEVER
We have received a notification today from Public Health England via LCC regarding a
potential rise in reported cases of Scarlet Fever across the East Midlands. We have
been advised to notify parents of the symptoms.
Although the bacterial infection can be highly infectious, it can be treated with
antibiotics. Parents and schools are therefore being asked to be aware of the signs and
symptoms, to see their GP if symptoms present and keep a confirmed case out of
school for the first 24 hours. As scarlet fever is particularly contagious, it’s always best
to take children to see their GP. In the majority of mild cases, scarlet fever will clear up
by itself but antibiotics reduce symptoms, the risk of complications and of passing the
infection on to someone else.
An increase would be expected around this time of year but, following advice from
Public Health England, awareness is being raised in primary schools and nurseries as a
common sense measure.
Please find attached a sheet from Public Health England regarding symptoms and
advice if you think your child may have the infection.
Yours sincerely
Liz Town
Business Manager
SCARLET FEVER
What is scarlet fever?
Scarlet Fever (sometimes called scarlatina) is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria
Streptococcus pyogenes, which is commonly found on the skin or in the throat, where it can live
without causing problems. However, under some circumstances, they can also cause diseases like
scarlet fever.
Scarlet Fever is mainly a childhood disease and is most common between the ages of two and eight
years.
How is it spread?
It is usually spread by coughing, sneezing or breathing out. Scarlet Fever can also be caught
through direct contact with the mucus or saliva of an infected person, meaning it can live on eating
utensils or surfaces such as tables.
What are the symptoms?
Scarlet Fever is characterised by a fine, red, sandpapery rash which typically appears first on the
chest and stomach, rapidly spreading to other parts of the body.
Other symptoms can include:
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Sore throat
Fever
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
White coating on the tongue
Swollen glands in the neck
Feeling tired and unwell
Flushed face, but pale around the mouth
Peeling skin on the fingertips, toes and groin area as the rash fades
Symptoms take around two to five days to develop after infection.
How do I protect myself from scarlet fever?
The risk of infection can be reduced through general good hygiene and cleanliness, including:
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Washing your hands often
Not sharing eating utensils with someone who has the infection
Disposing of tissues promptly
What should I do if I think my child has scarlet fever?
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See their GP as soon as possible
Make sure that your child takes the full course of any antibiotics prescribed. Although your
child will feel better very quickly after starting the course of antibiotics, you must complete
the course of treatment to ensure that you don’t carry the germs after you’ve 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 or towels.
March 2014