An Edinburgh Primary School has had a scarlet fever scare after one pupil was recently identified as becoming infected with the Victorian bacterial infection.
Edinburgh City Council confirmed that a pupil's parent of Pirniehall Primary School in Pilton said their child was suffering from the illness. Some parents had become concerned but it is understood that all of the correct protocols and guidance were followed by both the educational institution and the parent.
Once the infection was diagnosed, the pupil was kept at home and was prescribed a course of antibiotics. They are understood to have stayed at home and waited 24 hours after taking their first dose of antibiotics before returning to the Pirniehall.
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The NHS website states that scarlet fever can last for around a week and that it can be spread to other people up to six days before you may suffer symptoms but it stops being contagious 24 hours after the first dose of antibiotics. If antibiotics are not administered then then the infection can still be spread up to two to three weeks after symptoms start.
Their website states: “If you or your child has scarlet fever, stay away from nursery, school or work for 24 hours after you take the first dose of antibiotics. Scarlet fever can be a serious illness, but thanks to antibiotics, it's less common than it used to be and easier to treat.
“Complications from scarlet fever are rare. They can happen during or in the weeks after the infection, and can include: ear infection, throat abscess, sinusitis, pneumonia, meningitis. rheumatic fever”
An Edinburgh City Council spokesperson confirmed that NHS guidance was followed at all times.
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