Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System (ICS), which is responsible for the provision of local primary NHS services has issued the following timely advice following the recent increases in Streptococcus A infections and associated Scarlet Fever:
There has been an increase in the number of scarlet fever cases this year, particularly in children under 10, and sadly, a small number of deaths.
Scarlet fever is an infection that is caused by a bacteria called group A streptococci. It is usually a mild illness, but it is highly infectious
Lots of us carry this type of bacteria in our throats and on our skin and it doesn’t always result in illness.
Good hand and respiratory hygiene are important for stopping the spread of many bugs. By teaching your child how to wash their hands properly with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, using a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, and keeping away from others when feeling unwell, they will be able to reduce the risk of picking up, or spreading, infections.
Look out for symptoms in your child, which include:
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Fever
- A fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel. On darker skin, the rash can be more difficult to detect visually but will have a sandpapery feel.
Please contact NHS 111 or your GP if you suspect your child has scarlet fever. If your child has scarlet fever, keep them at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others.
As a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgment. Contact NHS 111 or your GP if:
- Your child is getting worse
- Your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
- Your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
- Your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39C or higher
- Your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest or feels sweaty
- Your child is very tired or irritable
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- Your child is having difficulty breathing –you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
- There are pauses when your child breathes
- Your child’s skin, tongue, or lips are blue
- Your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake
What you need to know - https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2022/12/05/group-a-strep-what-you-need-to-know/
