A second Herefordshire school has this afternoon confirmed cases of Scarlet Fever, as it continues to spread across the United Kingdom.
Parents at Kingstone High School have this afternoon received a letter confirming that cases have been indentified with the school.
In a letter to parents, the school detailed:
“There have been cases of Scarlet Fever within the School and your child may have been exposed.”
What is Scarlet Fever?
Scarlet Fever is a scattered red rash and high temperatures caused by bacteria. Prompt treatment with an antibiotic usually prevents further complications and will also prevent the spread to others. It is normally uncommon in the UK nowadays, but this Winter of 2022 has seen increases. Scarlet fever is also known as Scarlatina, although this often refers to a milder form of the disease. It usually follows a sore throat or a skin infection (impetigo) caused by particular strains of streptococcus bacteria. Scarlet fever is very infectious and can easily spread to other people.
What are the symptoms of Scarlet Fever?
A scattered red rash that is often most marked in the creases of the joints and over the stomach. The rash usually turns white when pressed. The rash does not appear on the face, but the cheeks can look red. The redness may be harder to see on brown and black skin. The skin may feel rough to the touch and is often described as feeling like sandpaper. A white coating on the tongue, which peels a few days later leaving the tongue red & swollen and covered in little bumps called ‘strawberry tongue’).
Marlbrook Primary School has also this week confirmed cases of Scarlet fever, with many other schools in the county believed to have children off school.
More Details – Kingstone Academy Trust – Home
