Ref:I18017
Date: 13/3/24
To: Parent/Guardian of children at MAESGLAS JUNIOR & INFANT SCHOOL
Dear Parent/Guardian,
We have been informed that an increasing number of children who attend the school/nursery have been
diagnosed with Scarlet Fever recently.
Although Scarlet Fever is usually a mild illness, it should be treated with antibiotics to minimise the risk
of complications and reduce the spread to others. If you or your child display symptoms of scarlet
fever it is important to contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice and to receive a diagnosis. Stay
away from nursery, school or work until you have been able to contact your GP / 111. If you are
prescribed antibiotics for scarlet fever you should not return to nursery , school or work for at
least 24 hours after starting them in order to reduce the chance of spreading the infection.
The symptoms of Scarlet Fever include a sore throat, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. This is
followed by a fine red rash, which typically first appears on the chest and stomach, rapidly spreading to
other parts of the body. On more darkly pigmented skin, the scarlet rash may be harder to spot, but it
should feel like ‘sandpaper’. The face can be flushed red but pale around the mouth.
If you think you, or your child, have Scarlet Fever:
• CONTACT your GP or NHS 111 as soon as possible.
• If a doctor prescribes antibiotics because of a Scarlet Fever diagnosis, ensure that you/your child
takes the full course.
• report the illness to the school.
Household or school/nursery contacts of Scarlet Fever cases can continue to attend school/nursery and
all usual activities as normal as long as they are well and do not have any symptoms. Antibiotics are not
recommended for contacts who do not have symptoms.
Possible complications: Children who have recently had chickenpox or influenza can develop a 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 you have
concerns due to the appearance of such symptoms, please seek medical assistance immediately.
Please inform the school/nursery if your child develops chickenpox or is diagnosed with Scarlet
Fever.
If your child has an underlying condition which affects their immune system, you should contact
your usual hospital doctor or GP to discuss whether any additional measures are needed.
You can find more information on Scarlet Fever on the NHS website: NHS 111 Wales – Health A-Z :
Scarlet Fever.
Yours sincerely
Tîm Amddiffyn Iechyd
Health Protection Team
Ffôn/Tel: 0300 00 300 32
Ebost/Email: aware@wales.nhs.uk
Gwefan/Web:
http://www.iechydcyhoedduscymru.org
http://www.publichealthwales.org
The Health Protection Team
