Scarlet Fever & iGAS

Please find below information regarding the above conditions.

Signs and symptoms of scarlet fever: Scarlet fever is a common childhood infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A streptococcus (GAS). 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 pallor around the mouth. This may be accompanied by a ‘strawberry tongue’. As the child improves peeling of the skin can occur.

What action should you take: As with all health concerns you should seek medical advice.  This could be through 111 or your GP, though a GP can prescribe medication if necessary.  Children and adults with suspected scarlet fever should not attend nursery / school / work until 24 hours after starting appropriate antibiotic treatment for scarlet fever.

Further advice can be found here: Scarlet fever - NHS (www.nhs.uk) and Scarlet fever: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

As a school we will be putting in place measures to reduce transmission.