A Hereford school has sent a letter to parents confirming a case of scarlet fever.
The letter was sent to parents at Marlbrook Primary School on Monday.
There are believed to be at least 5 confirmed cases in Herefordshire at present.
The first signs of scarlet fever can be flu-like symptoms, including a high temperature, a sore throat and swollen neck glands (a large lump on the side of your neck).
A rash appears 12 to 48 hours later. It looks looks like small, raised bumps and starts on the chest and tummy, then spreads. The rash makes your skin feel rough, like sandpaper.
The symptoms are the same for children and adults, although scarlet fever is less common in adults.
See a GP if you or your child:
- have scarlet fever symptoms
- do not get better in a week (after seeing a GP)
- have scarlet fever and chickenpox at the same time
- are ill again, weeks after scarlet fever got better – this can be a sign of a complication, such as rheumatic fever
- are feeling unwell and have been in contact with someone who has scarlet fever
Scarlet fever is very easily spread. Check with a GP before you go in. They may suggest a phone consultation.
More Details – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet-fever/
