There is no guidance from Cardiff Council aimed at parents at the moment regarding Scarlett Fever however they feel that it is a good idea to communicate with you the symptoms. Guidance will follow. In the meantime, please be aware of symptoms.

Could you please also inform the school if you child has had any of these symptoms or has been diagnosed.

Public Health Wales information regarding this :

Signs and symptoms of scarlet fever

Scarlet fever, sometimes called scarlatina, is an infectious disease caused by group A streptococcus (GAS) bacteria (also known as Streptococcus pyogenes).

 It is highly infectious and can be caught through direct contact with an infected person or through the air via droplets from coughs or sneezes.

The characteristic symptom of scarlet fever is a widespread, fine pink-red rash that feels like sandpaper to touch.

Other symptoms include a high temperature, a flushed face and a red, swollen tongue. Treatment is straightforward and usually involves a course of penicillin antibiotics.

Most cases of scarlet fever cause no complications, especially if the condition is properly treated. However, complications in the early stages of the disease can include ear infection, throat abscess, sinusitis, pneumonia and meningitis.

There has been an increase in severe disease caused by this bacterium (invasive group A streptococcal infections) in late 2022, including some very serious cases in children. Invasive disease may occur without a person having had scarlet fever or sore throat first.

Early signs of invasive disease include: high fever, severe muscle aches, local muscle tenderness, or redness at the site of a wound. If there are any concerns about invasive disease, then urgent medical advice must be sought.

Recommended actions

• Parents of unwell children should be advised to seek medical advice for diagnosis and treatment

 • A person with scarlet fever should be withdrawn from school for 24 hours after the commencement of appropriate antibiotic treatment