Scarlet fever, or ‘Strep A’, is caused by bacteria called group A streptococci (strep).
Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, but it is highly infectious. Therefore, look out for symptoms in your child, which 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.
Contact NHS 111 or your GP practice if you suspect your child has scarlet fever, because early treatment of scarlet fever with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia.
Follow this link for more information about Strep A on the NHS website.
