Parents are being urged to be on the lookout for symptoms and seek medical advice if they suspect their child has a Strep A infection, as the Isle of Wight NHS Trust confirms that there are high rates of suspected scarlet fever cases on the Island at present.
The NHS says it is important that children with scarlet fever are seen by their GP so that they can be started on antibiotics. It is also important they are kept at home for 24 hours after the start of the antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection.
Scarlet fever – which is caused by Group A Strep bacteria – is much more common in children than in adults, but can be equally as devastating for both age groups. Strep A usually only causes a mild sore throat and temperature, but it can be life-threatening.
What to look out for…
The rash of scarlet fever often begins with small spots on the body that then spread to the neck, arms and legs. It is often ‘sand-paper’ like to touch but is not itchy. Children may also have a store throat or tonsillitis, a fever, painful and swollen glands in the neck and a red tongue.
The infection is spread by physical contact or through droplets from sneezing or coughing.
If you suspect scarlet fever or invasive group A streptococcal infection, you should call your GP or NHS 111 as prompt treatment with antibiotics can prevent serious illness and stop the spread of infection.
You should call 999 if your child is having difficulty breathing (grunting noises, tummy sucking under their ribs), if there are pauses when your child breathes, if they are floppy or will not wake or stay awake, or if your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue.
Deaths in recent days
A total of 9 children have recently died as a result of Strep A, including a child in nearby Waterlooville.
851 cases of scarlet fever were recorded in the week leading up to 20th November – a number thought to have increased since.
It is known that locally there has been a confirmed case at Summerfield Primary School in Newport.
What is the cause…
It is thought that a lack of mingling among children during the COVID lockdowns – and therefore a lack of exposure to bacteria – has led to the outbreak developing.
The last outbreak was between 2017-2018, when 4 children died in the same period.
Currently, there is no evidence that a new strain is circulating.
What is being done?
The UK Health and Security Agency is monitoring the situation, with talks of preventative antibiotics being dished out to schools across the country.
Some schools across the UK have decided to close to enable deep cleans to take place.
Words of advice from Public Health
Simon Bryant, director of Public Health, has today (Tuesday) said:
“While we know parents are going to be worried by reports they are seeing related to iGAS, the condition remains uncommon.
“Cold and flu like symptoms are very common at this time of year, especially in children. Most will have a common seasonal virus, which can be treated by keeping the child hydrated, and with paracetamol.
“Some children with cold and flu like symptoms — sore throat, headache, fever — may be experiencing some of the early symptoms of scarlet fever.
“In this case they will go on to develop scarlet fever specific symptoms, including a fine pink-red rash that feels like sandpaper to touch, and parents should contact their GP.
“While scarlet fever can be more concerning, it is still usually a mild illness from which most children will recover without complications, especially if the condition is properly treated with antibiotics.
“In very rare cases, this bacterium can get into the bloodstream and cause serious illness – called invasive Group A strep (iGAS). This is still uncommon; but it is important that parents are on the lookout for symptoms and see a doctor as quickly as possible so that their child can be treated and we can stop the infection becoming serious.
“Make sure you talk to a health professional if your child is getting worse after a bout of scarlet fever, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection.
“Please take a few moments to read this blog post from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) which provides a further helpful explanation of what Group A Strep is and the infections it causes, as well as how it is spread and what to look out for when a child is unwell.
“In collaboration with the UKHSA, we continue to monitor the situation on the Island and will provide, whenever and wherever required, appropriate advice, guidance and information to local settings and communities.”
No Paediatric Antibiotics available yesterday on the Island so how are we going to manage?
You scale down an adult dose.Based on body weight.
Rang doctors about exact symptoms and offered phone appointment 2 days later !
If its due to covid lockdowns, why are we not seeing this in other countries?
I heard that the flu mist spray is a potential cause.
Poor NHS, in desperate need of funding and staff.
Let’s hope the next lot do a better job.