Health advice for parents after Scarlet fever outbreak

Friday 04 March 2016

There's an outbreak of Scarlet fever in the Island and parents are being urged to look out for signs of the highly contagious bacterial illness that mainly affects children.

Health say there have been more cases of it than normal for this time of year and mostly among the under 10's and that parents should get their children checked out if they think they may have caught it.

Health's Consultant Microbiologist Dr Ivan Muscat said: "Local levels of group A streptococcal infections, including scarlet fever, have been higher than normal this year, but on a par with 2014 and 2015. This is very similar to the situation in the UK over the same time period. The reason for these recent outbreaks is unclear – it is not due to a particular strain of group A strep. Most local cases have involved children under 10.

"Whilst cases may be seen throughout the year, most activity was seen between February and June in 2014 and 2015. This year’s increase in activity started slightly earlier."

You can catch scarlet fever if someone with it coughs and sneezes too close to you, if you touch someone with a streptococcal skin infection, like impetigo or if you share contaminated towels, baths, clothes or bed sheets.

Symptoms often include a sore throat, headache and a high temperature (38.3C/101F or above), flushed cheeks and a swollen tongue and a day or two later an itchy pinkish rash that feels like sandpaper usually appears on the chest and stomach. This can then spread to other areas like the ears and neck

Dr Muscat has got this advise for parents who think their child might have picked it up.

"Given the continuing increase in scarlet fever, parents and individuals are asked to be aware. Whilst scarlet fever is not usually severe, it should be diagnosed and treated early on with simple antibiotics to reduce the risk of complications and spread to others.

"Anyone who feels that they or their children may have scarlet fever should make an appointment with their GP. Those diagnosed with scarlet fever or group A streptococcal infection should stay at home for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotics to avoid spreading infection.

"Good hand and respiratory hygiene (covering nose/mouth when coughing or sneezing, disposing of tissues in a bin, and washing hands afterwards), as well as all appropriate environmental cleaning, will help reduce spread."