UKHSA update on scarlet fever and invasive Group A strep

UKHSA update on scarlet fever and invasive Group A strep There were 851 cases reported in week 46, compared to an average of 186 for the preceding years.

Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, but it is highly infectious. Therefore, look out for symptoms in your child, which include a sore throat, headache, and fever, along with 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 of scarlet fever 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. UK Health Security Agency

See also:

• College issues advice on Strep A in joint statement with RCPCH and RCEM Royal College of General Practitioners
• Strep A deaths rise to 15 in children across UK BBC News
• GPs say parents need clearer strep A advice BBC News
• Britain should roll out Covid-style LATERAL FLOW tests for Strep A, experts say The Daily Mail
• Strep A child deaths rise to 15 as government again denies antibiotic shortage GPonline
• Experts issue advice on off-label antibiotics as strep A adds to NHS pressure GPonline
• Strep A child death toll in UK rises to 15 The Guardian
• How many Strep A deaths are there each year in the UK? The Independent
• Are vaccines available for Strep A and scarlet fever? The Independent
• Strep A outbreak: Everything we know as 15 children die of bacterial infection The Independent