Marton & District C E Aided Primary School

Signs and symptoms of scarlet fever Scarlet fever is a common childhood infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A streptococcus (GAS). 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. Patients typically have flushed cheeks and pallor around the mouth. This may be accompanied by a ‘strawberry tongue’. As the child improves peeling of the skin can occur.

Children and adults with suspected scarlet fever should not attend nursery / school / work until 24 hours after starting appropriate antibiotic treatment for scarlet fever.

Whilst scarlet fever is circulating it is especially important that any children and adults with chickenpox do stay off nursery or school until all their blisters have dried over, which is at least 5 days after they first appeared.

Please keep us updated if you suspect Scarlet Fever, many thanks, Nevin Deakin