Scartlet Fever and Strep A advice from UK health Security Agency
6 December 2022
Dear parents, guardians and carers,
Re: Increase in scarlet fever and Group A Streptococcal infections
We are writing to inform you of a recent national increase in notifications of scarlet fever to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), above seasonal expected levels.
We would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the signs, symptoms and the actions to be taken if you think that you or your child might have scarlet fever.
Signs and symptoms of scarlet fever
Scarlet fever is a common childhood infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A Streptococcus (GAS). It is not usually serious, but should be treated with antibiotics to reduce the risk of complications (such as pneumonia) and spread to others. 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 be pale around the mouth. This may be accompanied by a bright red ‘strawberry’ tongue.
If you think you, or your child, might have scarlet fever:
- contact your GP or NHS 111 as soon as possible
- make sure that you or your child take(s) the full course of any antibiotics prescribed. Although you or your child will feel better soon after starting the course of antibiotics, you must complete the course to ensure that you do not carry the bacteria in your throat after you have recovered
- stay at home, away from nursery, school or work for at least 24 hours after starting the antibiotic treatment, to avoid spreading the infection
You can help stop the spread of infection through frequent hand washing and by not sharing eating utensils, clothes, bedding and towels. All contaminated tissues should be disposed of immediately.
Invasive Group A Strep (iGAS)
The same bacteria which cause scarlet fever can also cause a range of other types of infection such
as skin infections (impetigo) and sore throat. In very rare cases, the bacteria can get into the
bloodstream and cause an illness called invasive group A strep (iGAS). Whilst still very uncommon,
there has been an increase in iGAS cases this year, particularly in children under 10 years old. It is
very rare for children with scarlet fever to develop iGAS infection.
As a parent, you should trust your own judgement.
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
Stop the spread
During periods of high incidence of scarlet fever, there may also be an increase in outbreaks in
schools, nurseries and other childcare settings. Children and adults with suspected scarlet fever
should stay off nursery / school / work until 24 hours after the start of appropriate antibiotic
treatment. Good hygiene practice such as hand washing remains the most important step in
preventing and controlling spread of infection.
Yours faithfully,
Professor Dominic Mellon
MSc Dip HEP MEPS FRSPH FFPH
Regional Deputy Director for South West
UK Health Security Agency
Professor Steve Maddern
Director of Public Health
Swindon Borough Council
Annex: Resources
NHS information on scarlet fever: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet-fever/
UKHSA advice on the diagnosis and treatment of scarlet fever:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/scarlet-fever-symptoms-diagnosistreatment
UKHSA guidance on the management of scarlet fever outbreaks in schools:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/att
achment_data/file/1110540/Guidelines_for_the_public_health_management_of
_scarlet_fever_outbreaks.pdf
UKHSA guidance on Health protection in education and childcare settings:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-protection-in-schools-andother-
childcare-facilities/managing-specific-infectious-diseases-a-to-z
Additional resources to promote hand and respiratory hygiene in schools:
http://www.e-bug.eu/