Strep A and scarlet fever

Increasing cases of Strep A and scarlet fever in the UK has parents in the borough worried, while cases are rare and usually mild, it is important parents know what to look out for and the signs and symptoms. 

Strep A and Scarlet Fever 

These bacteria usually cause a mild infection which can lead to sore (strep) throats, impetigo or scarlet fever - easily treated with antibiotics. 

Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, but it is very infectious, here’s what you should look out for in your child. 

Symptoms to look out for include: 

• sore throat,  

• headache,  

• 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.  

Visit the NHS website has more information and useful images. www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet-fever/ 

What to do if your child is showing symptoms: 

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. 

 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 very rare circumstances, these bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause serious illness – called invasive Group A strep (iGAS). This is still uncommon. Good hand hygiene and the use of tissues to catch sneezes are important to reduce the risk of picking up or spreading infections. 

Major complications with Strep A are still relatively rare, but please do keep a close eye on your child if they are unwell and do not hesitate to seek help and advice if you are concerned in any way. 

Early signs and symptoms of invasive Group A strep disease: 

• Persistent high fever 

• Severe muscle aches 

• Localised muscle tenderness 

• Redness at the site of a wound 

If you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, here is some advice on what to do:  

Contact NHS 111 or your GP if 

• your child is getting worse 

• your child is feeding or eating much less than normal 

• your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration 

• your baby is under three months and has a temperature of 38°C, or is older than three months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher 

• your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty 

• your child is very tired or irritable 

Call 999 or go to A&E if  

• your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs 

• there are pauses when your child breathes 

• your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue 

• your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake 

Find out detailed information on scarlet fever and invasive Group A strep on the UK Health Security Agency’s website.