Scarlet Fever

We have been informed that there has been a spike in the county of children who have been diagnosed with scarlet fever.

The advice from UK Health Security Agency North West Health Protection Team has been to inform our parents/carers of this and the following information.

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. 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.

If you think you or your child have scarlet fever:

• See your GP or contact NHS 111 as soon as possible.
• Ask your GP to take a throat swab to confirm if this is scarlet fever.
• Make sure that you/your child takes the full course of any antibiotics prescribed by the doctor.
• Stay at home and away from nursery, school or work for at least 24 hours after starting the antibiotic treatment, to avoid spreading the infection.

If you/your child has an underlying condition which affects the immune system, you should contact your GP or hospital doctor to discuss whether any additional measures are needed.

Potential complications:

Children who have had chickenpox recently are more likely to develop more serious infection during an outbreak of scarlet fever and so parents/guardians should remain vigilant for symptoms such as a persistent high fever, cellulitis (skin infection) and arthritis (joint pain and swelling). If you are concerned for any reason please seek medical assistance immediately. All children with chickenpox should remain off school / nursery until at least 5 days after the start of their rash AND until all their spots have crusted over.

Further information:

You can find more information at:

• NHS Choices 
• UKHSA Scarlet Fever Frequently Asked Questions 
• Group A streptococcal infections: guidance and data - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Covid 19 - Current Guidance

Children and young people aged 18 years and under who have a positive test result 

It is not recommended that children and young people are tested for COVID-19 unless directed to by a health professional. 

If a child or young person has a positive COVID-19 test result they should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 3 days after the day they took the test, if they can. After 3 days, if they feel well and do not have a high temperature, the risk of passing the infection on to others is much lower. This is because children and young people tend to be infectious to other people for less time than adults. 

Children and young people who usually go to school, college or childcare and who live with someone who has a positive COVID-19 test result should continue to attend as normal. 

 PLEASE CONTINUE TO REPORT ANY COVID-19 RELATED PUPIL ABSENCES VIA SCHOOL SYNERGY 

Full guidance can be found here:-

'COVID-19 guidance for children and young people from 1^st April 2022'