Absences have continued to rise at a Co Down school amid an outbreak of illnesses suspected to be related to Strep A bacterium.
On Wednesday, Michael Peacock, principal of Brackenagh West Primary School near Kilkeel told Belfast Live that over 40 children are now absent from school.
On Monday, he had told BBC Evening Extra on Monday that 32 children were off school, and "quite a number have been confirmed as cases of either scarlet fever or Strep A."
Read more: No plans to close NI schools despite soaring Strep A and scarlet fever cases
Two children had been hospitalised with illness. Mr Peacock says they have now returned home, but another child is now in hospital.
He told Belfast Live: "The situation at the moment is that the two children who were hospitalised thankfully are home again but we now have another child who has gone into hospital. They unfortunately haven't been able to diagnose the child yet...
"Given the level of sickness at the moment all related to Strep A and scarlet fever, they think the likelihood is that it may be something related to that but they really aren't sure at the moment.
"We've had other parents phone in this morning saying their children are unwell. Unfortunately the level of illness is still as high.
"There are quite a number of children still being diagnosed.
"Certainly over the last couple of days it's increased."
Mr Peacock has asked parents to be "very vigilant".
He said: "Obviously parents are concerned about their children's health anytime but at the moment, I would say the main message is, if they have any of the symptoms of Strep A, of scarlet fever, to phone their GP immediately and try to get seen without delay.
"Because clearly at the start a lot of people thought naturally it was just, you know, 'Oh, he's got a high temperature', 'He's got a sore tummy' but those things can develop into something else at the moment."
Advice from the PHA:
Parents and guardians are being urged to be alert for the signs of group A streptococcal (GAS) infections by the Public Health Agency (PHA).
The PHA say Group A streptococcus bacteria usually cause a mild infection producing sore throats or scarlet fever that can be easily treated with antibiotics.
In very rare circumstances, these bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause serious illness – called invasive Group A strep (iGAS), the agency added.
As well as an increase in notifications of scarlet fever, which is above the levels we usually see at this time of year, the PHA say it is also aware of a higher number of cases of iGAS being reported across the UK.
What to do if you suspect your child has scarlet fever
The PHA say scarlet fever mainly affects children under 10, but people of any age can get it. In the early stages, symptoms include a sore throat, headache, and fever, along with a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel.
The agency added that on darker skin, the rash can be more difficult to detect visually but will have a sandpapery feel.
The PHA is asking parents to contact their GP if they suspect their child has scarlet fever, because early treatment with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia or a bloodstream infection.
Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “Scarlet fever usually clears up after about a week, but anyone who thinks they or a child may have it should contact a GP for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
“To limit the spread of scarlet fever it is also important to practise good hygiene by washing hands with warm water and soap, not sharing drinking glasses or utensils, and covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. People should also stay away from nursery, school or work for 24 hours after taking the first dose of antibiotics.”
The PHA say don’t put off seeking help if your child continues to get worse
There can be a range of causes of sore throats, colds and coughs. These should resolve without medical intervention. However, children can on occasion develop an infection and that can make them more unwell.
The PHA is also urging parents to seek help if their child is very unwell or seems to be getting worse – even if they have started treatment. Parents should contact their GP if they feel:
- their child is getting worse;
- their child is feeding or eating much less than normal;
- their child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration;
- their 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;
- their baby feels hotter than usual when they touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty;
- their child is very tired or irritable.
Call 999 or go to the Emergency Department 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.
Dr McClean continued: “The PHA has issued an urgent message to all primary and secondary care healthcare providers alerting them to increases in group A streptococcal infection. Acting quickly if you suspect anyone has this infection could make a difference to the outcomes.”
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