Information about Scarlet Fever and Group A Streptococcus (GAS)

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Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Director of Public Health at Kirklees Council, is urging parents and carers to be vigilant and know which symptoms to look out for as scarlet fever cases are higher than normal at this time of year.

Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Strategic Director for Public Health, at Kirklees Council said: 

“I would like to remind parents and carers to be vigilant for signs of scarlet fever even though most cases are mild.

“By teaching your child how to wash their hands properly with soap for 20 seconds, using a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, and keeping away from others when feeling unwell, will reduce the risk of picking up or spreading infections.

“Making sure your children are up to date with their immunisations, including the flu vaccine, can help reduce the risk of them becoming seriously ill from other infections.

We are working with our NHS partners to provide information and guidance to parents and carers through schools and childcare settings.”

About scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, but it is highly infectious.

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. Whilst still uncommon, there has been an increase in invasive Group A strep cases this year, particularly in children under 10.

Symptoms to look out for:

  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • 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 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.

Sal Uka, Consultant in Speciality Paediatrics at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust and Clinical Director for West Yorkshire Associate of Acute Trusts, said:

“Our advice for parents and carers is that if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, you should seek emergency care immediately.

“For babies, if your child is drinking or eating much less than normal, has dry nappy or hasn’t passed wee for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration, feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest or feels sweaty or is irritable, please again contact NHS111 online (for over 5s), call NHS 111 or your GP.

“Where a child is exhibiting the symptoms of scarlet fever, such as sore throat, headache fever and a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel, caused by Strep A bacteria, again contact NHS111 online (for over 5s), call NHS 111 or your GP.”

At this time of year, there are lots of infections circulating which can cause sore throats, colds and coughs and these usually get better on their own. Occasionally, children can develop a bacterial infection on top of a virus, which can make them more unwell.

As a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, 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.

For more information about Strep A visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/strep-a/