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• Scarlet Fever and Strep-A.

  Wed 07 Dec 2022

  You may be aware of a national rise in cases of scarlet fever and Strep-A.  We notified you on Monday 5th December of a confirmed case of Scarlet Fever at St John's and also sent home some frequently asked questions and answers.

  Scarlet fever is caused by a bacteria called group A streptococci, or “group A strep”. It is very contagious for people who are in close contact with one another through infected droplets in coughs, sneezes, mucus and saliva.

  Typically, it causes a mild illness for most people however treatment with antibiotics is important to avoid complications.

  Some symptoms of scarlet fever include:

  • sore throat
  • headache
  • fever
  • a fine, pinkish or red body rash that feels like sandpaper

  You can read more about the symptoms of scarlet fever on the gov.uk website & see clinical photographs on the NHS website. We would encourage parents to keep their children off school and nursery if poorly and to contact their GP or NHS 111.

  Children with scarlet fever should stay home for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotics to avoid spreading infection to others.

  NHS Symptoms of Scarlet Fever