With the national increase in cases of scarlet fever and concern about rare cases where this can lead to a serious bloodstream infection, emergency department doctors at the Royal Cornwall Hospital are keen to reiterate the advice for parents.
The hospital has today (Friday) put out a list of symptoms to watch out for in relation to both scarlet fever and the infection Strep A, plus what to do if parents are concerned.
Emergency Department Consultant, Dr Toby Slade, said: "Scarlet fever is a common childhood infection caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS). It is not usually serious but should be treated with antibiotics to reduce the risk of complications (such as pneumonia) and to reduce the risk of spread to others.
"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 be pale around the mouth. This may be accompanied by a bright red 'strawberry' tongue."
In relation to Strep A, he added: "Strep A is a very treatable infection.
"As with any winter period, there are lots of viruses that cause sore throats, colds and coughs and these should generally resolve without medical intervention.
"As a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, always trust your own judgement".
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Contact your own GP during surgery hours or call 111 out of hours 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 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C, or is older than 3 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.
Swabbing is only used to diagnose scarlet fever if the clinician thinks it is essential. General cold and sore throats will not require a swab.
Fifteen children under the age of 15 have now died from invasive Strep A illness in the UK.
New data released by the UK Health Security Agency shows 13 of the 15 children have died in England since September, with the majority in the last few weeks. There has also been one death in Northern Ireland, and one in Wales.
However, the UKHSA has said there is no current evidence that a new strain is circulating and the rise in cases is most likely due to high amounts of circulating bacteria and increased social mixing.
New guidance for patients and the public is available at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/strep-a/
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