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Strep A Guidance

Dear Parent / Guardian,

We are working with the Department for Education to ensure we raise awareness of Strep A and therefore reduce the risk of spread. Please take a few minutes to read the below information.

What are scarlet fever and Strep A?
Scarlet fever is caused by bacteria called Group A streptococci (Strep A). The bacteria usually cause
a mild infection that can be easily treated with antibiotics.

In very rare occasions, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause an illness called invasive
Group A strep (iGAS).

What are the symptoms of Strep A/scarlet fever?
Strep A infections can cause a range of symptoms that parents should be aware of, including:

  • 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

If your child becomes unwell with these symptoms, please contact your GP practice or contact NHS
111 (which operates a 24/7 service) to seek advice. If these develop whilst your child is in college, you
will be contacted immediately for them to be collected.

If your child has scarlet fever, please ensure they stay at home until at least 24 hours after the start of
antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others.

You are encouraged to trust your own judgement and if your child seems seriously unwell call 999 or
go to A&E if:

  • a child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy
  • sucking under their ribs
  • there are pauses when a child breathes
  • a child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
  • a child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake.