Update from Public Health Colleagues

Published: 8 September 2022

First Aid Kit

First Aid Kit

Scarlet Fever and invasive group A streptococcus

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has alerted us that incidence of scarlet fever and invasive group A streptococcus is higher than we would expect at this time of year, this is particularly effecting children under 10-years-old. You may continue to see cases of Scarlet Fever over the autumn term.

The early symptoms of scarlet fever include sore throat, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. After 12 to 48 hours the characteristic red, pinhead rash develops, typically first appearing on the chest and stomach, then rapidly spreading to other parts of the body, and giving the skin a sandpaper-like texture. The scarlet rash may be harder to spot on darker skin, although the 'sandpaper' feel should be present. Children with scarlet fever typically have flushed cheeks and pallor around the mouth. This may be accompanied by a ‘strawberry tongue’.

Children with scarlet fever should be excluded from school for 24 hours after starting the appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Please inform your UKHSA health protection team on 0344 2254 524 if there is scarlet fever and chickenpox circulating at the same time in your setting.

Please see the attached Scarlet Fever crib sheet for more information.

Flu Vaccination

Information about flu vaccination in schools can be found here. Whilst this vaccination is delivered by the NHS, we are keen to work with them to improve the uptake of vaccination. Many of you have raised that you feel e-consent can be a barrier for some and, although this is a national direction, we have fed that back to the team. Please continue to let us know where you feel changes could improve things.

Crib sheets

We have put together crib sheets on infections to help your staff when they are informed of suspected or confirmed cases. These crib sheets set out symptoms, whether effected children can continue to attend your setting and any further actions your school can take. Please share as appropriate with your teaching and administrative staff. We are currently developing similar resources for parents, if there are any additional resources that you feel your setting would benefit from, please let us know.

If you have questions or concerns about any of the above, please contact the Derby City Council Health Protection Team at: cct@derby.gov.uk

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