To: Parent/Guardian of children at Ysgol Maes-y-Llan
Dear Parent/Guardian,
We have been informed that an increasing number of children who attend the school have been diagnosed with scarlet fever over the last week.
Although scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, it should be treated with antibiotics to minimise the risk of complications and reduce the spread to others. If you or your child display symptoms of scarlet fever it is important to stay at home, away from nursery, school or work for at least 24 hours after starting the antibiotic treatment, to avoid spreading the infection.
Possible complications: Children who have had chickenpox or influenza recently can develop a more serious infection during an outbreak of scarlet fever and so parents 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.
The symptoms of scarlet fever include 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.
· make sure that you/your child takes the full course of any antibiotics prescribed by the doctor.
- report the illness to the school.
Please inform the school if your child develops chickenpox or is diagnosed with Scarlet fever
If your child has an underlying condition which affects their immune system, you should contact your GP or hospital doctor to discuss whether any additional measures are needed.
You can find more information on scarlet fever on the NHS website: NHS 111 Wales – Health A-Z : Scarlet fever.
Yours sincerely
The Health Protection Team