Health

Important Information for families December 2022

Dear Families,

You will be aware that across Scotland this year we have seen higher than usual numbers of group A streptococcal (GAS) infections in Scotland and persistently high numbers of cases of scarlet fever (a common presentation of this infection) among children. We wanted to share some information with you from Public Health Scotland about this.

Signs and symptoms of scarlet fever

Scarlet fever can cause the following symptoms:

headache, sore throat, high temperature and raised pink/purple spots that join up to produce a skin rash, which feels like sandpaper to the touch.

Please note that the scarlet rash may be harder to spot on darker skin, although the ‘sandpaper’ feel should be present. Although scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, in very rare occasions the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause a more serious invasive illness. Trusted health advice on scarlet fever can be found on NHS Inform.

Children with suspected scarlet fever should be seen by a health professional. Children with suspected scarlet fever should be excluded from nursery, school

or work until 24 hours after the commencement of appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Parents should also be aware that, importantly, children who have had chickenpox recently are more likely to develop more serious infection during an outbreak of scarlet fever and so parents should remain vigilant for symptoms such as a persistent high fever, cellulitis (skin infection) and arthritis (joint pain and swelling). If parents are concerned, they should seek medical assistance immediately.

Periods of Absence

Chicken Pox – until vesticles/spots become dry (usually 7 days) but a minimum of 5 days after rash onset

Scarlet Fever – until recovered and 24 hours after start of treatment

Strep A – until recovered and 24 hours after appropriate antibiotics started

Attached to this email are information leaflets about scarlet fever and chickenpox. Please contact the school office 0131 443 4743/ admin@longstone.edin.sch.uk if you have any questions.

Yours sincerely,

Angela Pearston

Head Teacher