Scarlet fever and Strep A infection information for parents

School has received an update from Derby City Public Health, this includes information on flu cases and a reminder about how to deal with other infections. We will continue to contact parents if your child is feeling unwell and would be grateful for your support in trying to minimise the risk of spreading infections.

SCARLET FEVER & STREP A INFECTION - Scarlet Fever is usually a mild illness, but it is highly infectious. Therefore, look out for symptoms in your child, which include a sore throat, headache, and fever, along with 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. Contact NHS 111 or your GP if you suspect your child has scarlet fever, because early treatment of scarlet fever with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia or a bloodstream infection. 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. Please follow the link for more information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet-fever/ . The advice is that parents should trust their judgement when their child is poorly and contact 111 or their GP. However if your child is having difficulty breathing, there are pauses when the child breathes, their skin, tongue or lips are blue or the child is floppy and will not stay awake please call 999 or go to A&E.

Scarlet fever is caused by bacteria called group A streptococci. These bacteria also cause other respiratory and skin infections such as strep throat and impetigo.

In very rare occasions, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause an illness called invasive Group A strep (iGAS). While still uncommon, there has been an increase in invasive Group A strep cases this year nationally, particularly in children under 10. As you will be no doubt aware, this is currently being covered by the national and local media.

We ask that you let school know if your child's GP diagnoses your child with scarlet fever or a strep A infection so we can monitor any cases present in school.

FLU - In mid November hospital admissions due to flu were increased, particularly in those under 5 years old. They would like us to remind you that the flu vaccination [nasal spray] is available to two and three year olds. The flu vaccination helps protect children and reduces the spread of infection. Please follow this link for more information: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1093695/UKHSA_12388_flu_vaccination_early_years_settings_leaflet_2022_2023.pdf. You can book at a clinic by contacting the immunisation team on 01283 707178 or email DCHST.immunisationteam@nhs.net.

COVID- Adults who test positive for COVID should not attend the setting for 5 days after the day of the test and children who test positive for COVID should not attend the setting for 3 days after the day of the test. 

Diarrhoea or vomiting- Guidance on this continues to support children being absent from school for 48 hours after the last bout of diarrhoea or vomiting.