Group A streptococcal infections

Group A Streptococci (GAS), also known as Strep A, are bacteria commonly found on the skin or in the throat. Most Strep A infections are mild and easily treated, but some are more serious. Numbers of Group A streptococcal infections remain low across the Western Isles and we have no confirmed outbreaks.

SYMPTOMS

Group A streptococcal infections can cause a wide range of symptoms, including respiratory and skin infections such as scarlet fever, strep throat, tonsillitis and impetigo. Although Group A Strep infections and scarlet fever are usually mild illnesses, they should be treated with antibiotics to minimise the risk of complications and reduce the spread to others.

The symptoms of scarlet fever include a sore throat, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. This is followed by a fine red rash which typically first appears on the chest and stomach, rapidly spreading to other parts of the body. On more darkly-pigmented skin, the scarlet rash may be harder to spot, but it should feel like ‘sandpaper'. The face can be flushed red but pale around the mouth.

WHAT TO DO

If you think your child has a Group A Strep infection or scarlet fever:

* You should seek prompt medical advice by calling your GP practice in working hours or NHS 24 on 111 at all other times

* Make sure that your child takes the full course of any antibiotics prescribed by the doctor.

* Your child should stay at home (and away from nursery or school) for at least 24 hours after starting the antibiotic treatment, to avoid spreading the infection.

Children who are well (have no symptoms) do not need to be seen by a doctor and can continue to attend nursery or school.

As long as they have no symptoms, contacts of a case do not need to isolate or stay away from nursery, school or work, and nor do they need to be treated with antibiotics. However if they develop symptoms they should also follow the advice listed above.

HOW TO MINIMISE SPREAD

In order to minimise the spread of scarlet fever and other infections, the following measures are recommended for everyone:

1. Good hand hygiene including handwashing with soap and water at the start of the school day, after using the toilet, after play, before and after eating, and at the end of the school day.

2. Children and adults should be encouraged to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough and sneeze and to wash hands after using or disposing of tissues.

3. All scrapes or wounds should be thoroughly cleaned and covered while at school. Visit Streptococcus A (Strep A) | NHS inform for further information.  https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/streptococcus-a-strep-a