A case of Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) has been confirmed at a primary school in Bristol. Bailey's Court Primary School, in Bradley Stoke, has informed parents a year four child has developed the infection.
In an email sent to parents with children at the school, school headteacher, Mr Andrew Lynham, confirmed the child was being treated by their doctor and should be safe to return to school "over the next few day". The email said the Health Security Agency had been informed and the school has been informed there is no further action necessary.
Strep A is a type of bacteria which lead to skin infections, scarlet fever, and strep throat. While these infections are typically mild, it can become more serious, and it was yesterday reported (December 6) that a ninth child had died from an invasive group A strep (iGAS) which is when bacteria gets into the bloodstream.
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Parents of children at Bailey's Court Primary have also been sent information from the HSA on what to look out for regarding Strep A and scarlet fever, as well as what to do if you suspect someone in the family may have it. Current levels of the illness are being recorded at four times the national average per year.
As of November 27, there have been more than 800 confirmed cases of scarlet fever in England and Wales. The South West as a whole is experiencing significantly lower levels of the illness, which is caused by Strep A, than more urban areas of the UK, but there have been a number of cases reported.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) website states: "Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, but it is highly infectious. Therefore, look out for symptoms in your child, which include a sore throat, headache, and fever, along with a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel. On darker skin, the rash can be more difficult to detect visually but will have a sandpapery feel.
"Contact NHS 111 or your GP if you suspect your child has scarlet fever, because early treatment of scarlet fever with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia or a bloodstream infection. If your child has scarlet fever, keep them at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others.
"Scarlet fever is caused by bacteria called group A streptococci. These bacteria also cause other respiratory and skin infections such as strep throat and impetigo."
Advice from the UKHSA:
As a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement. Contact NHS 111 or your GP 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
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