Scarlet Fever Update

Dear Students, Parents and Carers,

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.

If you suspect your child has scarlet fever, please do not send them into School.

Contact NHS 111 or your GP 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.

In the event of there being 2 cases of scarlet fever, or more, within 10 days in your child’s class, we will inform you and advise you what to do next.

In the event of your child becoming unwell at School, we will phone you as soon as possible so you can collect them.

If you would like to speak to someone or would like further advice about your child attending school or scarlet fever, please contact your school and ask to speak to the school nurse.

Kindest Regards

Lindsay Elliott

Lead Nurse
Percy Hedley Foundation