As per the media reports regarding an increase in scarlet fever cases please read the following information below:
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.
As per national Guidance on Infection Control in Schools and other Child Care Settings, children and adults with suspected scarlet fever should not attend nursery / school / work for 24 hours after the commencement of appropriate antibiotic treatment.
Scarlet fever can be a serious illness, but thanks to antibiotics, it’s less common than it used to be and easier to treat, for some children it may be mild.
There’s no evidence to suggest that getting scarlet fever during pregnancy will harm an unborn baby.
