Scarlet fever and Group A Streptococcal infections
We are currently seeing an increase in notifications of scarlet fever in the community. There has also been significant media attention relating to this which has naturally caused concern amongst parents and others.
We have been waiting for a national communication from UKHSA which we have now received.
Please see attached two letters from UKHSA – one for schools/early years providers and one for parents:
Further information from the UKHSA is provided below which you may find useful based on some of the queries that have been received.
Guidance and resources to support you:
- This is the main guidance document that you need for all infections which includes clear advice on scarlet fever and what you need to do: Health protection in children and young people settings, including education – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) There is also a section on impetigo which may be helpful.
- NHS information on scarlet fever: Scarlet fever – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- UKHSA advice on the diagnosis and treatment of scarlet fever: Scarlet fever: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- ‘Should I keep my child off school/nursery’ poster and other resources are available for free
- e-Bug – this website has information/games/lesson plans to teach children about infections and infection control.
Complications:
In very rare situations, GAS can cause a more serious infection (Invasive Group A Strep). This is when the bacteria get into parts of the body where it is not normally found, such as the lungs or bloodstream. Children who have flu or chickenpox at the same time as a GAS infection are more likely to develop this serious infection. However, you can reduce the spread of all infections by practicing good hand and respiratory hygiene and other standard infection control measures.
When to call the UKHSA South West Health Protection Team:
All of the infection control and prevention processes that you already have in place (e.g., good hygiene, ventilation and cleaning) will help reduce the spread of infection in your setting.
UKHSA have advised that schools/nurseries should contact them if:
- You have one or more cases of chickenpox or flu in the class that has scarlet fever at the same time. This is because infection with scarlet fever and either chickenpox or flu at the same time can result in more serious illness.
- You are experiencing an outbreak of scarlet fever in a setting / class that provides care or education to children who are clinically vulnerable.
- The outbreak continues for over 2 weeks, despite taking steps to control it.
- Any child or staff member is admitted to hospital with any Group A Strep (GAS) infection (or there is a death).
- Any issues that are making it difficult to manage the outbreak.
UKHSA South West Centre Health Protection Team:
- Email: swhpt@phe.gov.uk
- Phone: 0300 303 8162 option 1 then option 1
Managing/preventing and outbreak or cluster of cases of scarlet fever (also useful in managing/preventing all infections in your setting):
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4 | Make sure that all cuts, scrapes and wounds are cleaned and covered. This also applies to bites. |
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Cleaning: Carry out regular cleaning throughout the day, especially hand contact surfaces. Use detergent followed by a chlorine containing disinfectant (any surface that may get touched by children) including:
Potties or changing mats need to be cleaned after each use. Carpets and soft furnishings should be vacuumed DAILY. |
6 | Until you are free of illness we recommend:
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7 | Once Cases have stopped:
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Pregnancy advice:
- There’s no evidence to suggest that getting scarlet fever during pregnancy will harm the baby. But it can make the person feel unwell, so it’s best to avoid close contact with anyone who has it.
- Advise them to contact a GP if they get symptoms.
- Many of the antibiotics used for scarlet fever are considered to be safe to take during pregnancy.
- Further information can be found here: Scarlet fever – NHS (www.nhs.uk)