Scarlet Fever Awareness

Health authorities across the country have asked schools to raise awareness around the symptoms of Scarlet Fever and the possible complications.

The symptoms of scarlet fever are:

  • A sore throat, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting.
  • This is followed by a fine red rash which typically first appears on the chest and stomach, rapidly spreading to other parts of the body.
  • On more darkly-pigmented skin, the scarlet rash may be harder to spot, but it should feel like 'sandpaper'.
  • The face can be flushed red but pale around the mouth.

If you think you or your child have scarlet fever:

  • See your GP or contact NHS 111 as soon as possible.
  • Ask your GP to take a throat swab to confirm if this is scarlet fever.
  • Make sure that you/your child takes the full course of any antibiotics prescribed by the doctor.
  • Stay at home and away from nursery, school or work for at least 24 hours after starting the antibiotic treatment, to avoid spreading the infection.

If you/your child has an underlying condition which affects the immune system, you should contact your GP or hospital doctor to discuss whether any additional measures are needed.

Potential complications: Children who have had chickenpox recently are more likely to develop more serious infection during an outbreak of scarlet fever and so parents/guardians should remain vigilant for symptoms such as a persistent high fever, cellulitis (skin infection) and arthritis (joint pain and swelling). If you are concerned for any reason please seek medical assistance immediately.

All children with chickenpox should remain off school until at least 5 days after the start of their rash AND until all their spots have crusted over.

Infection control advice: Parents/guardians can help by reminding children of the importance of coughing/sneezing into tissues and placing these in the bin, washing hands regularly and ensuring any breaks to the skin are covered with a waterproof plaster/dressing before attending school/nursery.

Further guidance is available on GOV.UK and NHS.UK websites.

Scarlet Fever