Dear Parent / Guardian 

Re: Scarlet Fever 

We have been informed that a small number of children who attend Eastcroft Park have been  diagnosed with scarlet fever.  

We are following UK Health Security Agency national advice for scarlet fever. This advises  that 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.  

Symptoms of scarlet fever:  

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. 

• Stay at home and away from nursery, school or work for at least 24 hours after  starting the antibiotic treatment, to avoid spreading the infection.  

If you/your child has an underlying condition which affects the immune system, you should  contact your GP or hospital doctor to discuss whether any additional measures are needed.  

Potential complications: 

Children who have had chickenpox recently are more likely to develop more serious infection  during an outbreak of scarlet fever and so parents/guardians 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.  All children with chickenpox should remain off school / nursery until at least 5 days  after the start of their rash AND until all their spots have crusted over. 

Infection control advice: 

We are following national advice on hygiene measures to help prevent spread infection within  our school / nursery. Parents/guardians can also help with this by reminding children of the  importance of coughing / sneezing into tissues and placing these in the bin, washing hands  regularly and ensuring any breaks to the skin are covered with a waterproof plaster/dressing  before attending school / nursery. 

Further information: 

You can find more information at: 

- NHS Choices https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet-fever/ 

- UKHSA Scarlet Fever Frequently Asked Questions  

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/scarlet-fever-symptoms-diagnosis treatment 

If you have any further questions, please contact the school on 0151 477 8210.

Yours sincerely, 

Miss J A Withey 

Headteacher