News

Update for Parents and Students on Strep A and Scarlet Fever

As you will have seen reported in the news over the past few weeks, the UK are seeing an increased number of cases of Group A streptococcus (Strep A) and Scarlet Fever compared to normal at this time of year. However, there is no evidence that a new strain is circulating.

Symptoms can include a sore throat, headache, and fever, along with a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel. On darker skin, the rash can be more difficult to detect visually but will have a sandpapery feel.

If a staff member or student has a Strep A infection, they should stay away from college for 24 hours after they start taking antibiotics.

There are some instances where this must be reported to the UKHSA, therefore, please report all confirmed cases to Lindsey Wallace, Health & Safety Manager (College group) at LWallace@esc.ac.uk. 

Advice for parents

If you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement.

Contact NHS 111 or your GP if:

• your child is getting worse
• your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
• your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
• your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39C or higher
• your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
• your child is very tired or irritable

Call 999 or go to A&E 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.

For further information and advice, please visit the following links:

NHS website

GOV.UK