Information About Chicken Pox and Scarlet Fever

Dear Parents and Carers

 

The spread of both Chicken Pox and Scarlet Fever at this time is at a high level in nurseries and primary schools.

 

If your child has any symptoms please let us know and ensure you contact your GP.

 

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.

 

Prompt treatment of scarlet fever with antibiotics is recommended to limit other people getting infected and to reduce the risk of possible complications.