Group A Strep and scarlet fever: What look out for, what to do and where to find more information

Group A strep (GAS) are common bacteria which cause a range of infections, including scarlet fever. These infections are usually mild. GAS is spread by close contact with someone who’s infected and can be passed to others through coughs and sneezes, or from a wound. Invasive group A strep (iGAS) is a rare infection when the bacteria get into parts of the body like the lungs or bloodstream, where they can cause more serious disease.

We are seeing higher than expected levels of scarlet fever at the moment. The early symptoms of scarlet fever include a sore throat, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting followed by a red, pinhead rash giving the skin a sandpaper-like texture.

If you’re concerned, here’s what to do:

For information and advice, please see the NHS Scarlet Fever webpage

To help reduce infections, follow good hand and respiratory hygiene, including:

• Washing hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap
• Catching coughs and sneezes using tissues – catch it, bin it, kill it
• Keeping away from others when you feel unwell.

As a parent, 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 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 38°C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C 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.

You should 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.

Find out more on the UKHSA website