Children's Health: Scarlet Fever


“Scientists baffl ed as scarlet fever hits a 50 year high.” The Times, 28th November, 2017


GPs have been alerted by Public Heath England (PHE) about the rise of this condition; I have certainly diagnosed more cases in the past year, so I have witnessed at fi rst hand a resurgence of what was considered an infection of the past. PHE is being notifi ed of about 600 cases a week – and this is expected to get worse as numbers usually peak in April.


The bacteria involved is Group A-Streptococcus, or Strep A. It is spread from close contact with those infected – through droplets in coughs and sneezes – but is also caught from contaminated objects and surfaces. For this reason it is classifi ed as ‘highly contagious’.


Scarlet fever causes a sore throat, fever and typical infection symptoms such as a headache and lethargy. Within two days of the illness starting, a rash develops which is pinkish red – not usually as dramatic as scarlet – starting on the torso and the face and then spreading.


Usually the skin feels dry and papery, which makes this easy to differentiate from other types of rashes children may get with viruses. I’ve seen it described as ‘like goose-bumps on sunburn’, which is pretty accurate. We also look for a ‘strawberry tongue’, where the tongue appears red and bumpy – another classic sign. Most


cases (about 80%) occur in children under 10 (usually between two and eight years of age). However, people of any age can get the illness. We are trying to reduce unnecessary prescriptions of antibiotics (particularly for run of the mill, viral sore throats) but when the clear features described above are present, using these drugs to tackle scarlet fever is appropriate.


It is important to start antibiotics quickly and remain at home for at least the fi rst 24 hours of antibiotic treatment. The spread of infection is a problem as the condition is highly contagious, which is why staying at home is crucial. Outbreaks are already being reported in schools and nurseries: good hand hygiene is an essential part of controlling the spread.


Without antibiotic treatment, your child will be infectious for 1-2 weeks after symptoms appear. Other self-care measures are drinking plenty of cool fl uids, eating soft food, paracetamol for fever reduction and antihistamines if the rash is itchy.


It is not at all clear why this condition is becoming more common, but prompt treatment is key for the patient and to prevent spread to others.


Dr Mark Bridgman Hadleigh Lodge Surgery www.thehadleighpractice.nhs.uk


Lockyer's Middle School


As Lockyer’s Middle School came to the end of the year we had a great deal to refl ect upon and celebrate.


The conversion of the old youth centre is now complete. Music lessons have now begun in the new music room and practice rooms and the community space is ready to be used for youth clubs and other community events in the new year. We are very grateful to Mrs Katrina Blee, Clerk to the Parish Council and Cllr Paul Harrison for the invaluable input in moving this forward.


Our Christmas Fayre was brilliant again and we are grateful to The Friends of Lockyer’s for the hard work in organising the event. Thanks also to all who contributed to the evening and everyone who turned up and supported the event raising a fantastic £1,970.


We were pleased to be the only school invited 32


to perform at the Julia’s House Christmas concert at Wimborne Minster. It was a great success and our Advanced Vocal Group


performed Silent Night and White Christmas to an enthused audience, which included none other than Julian Fellowes, Downton Abbey writer.


Finally, it was a pleasure to welcome Year 4 pupils from our feeder schools for an afternoon of activities. Both staff and pupils alike enjoyed exploring science and technology and we look forward to seeing many of them again as they join Year 5 next September.


For the latest news, events and information about the school, please visit our website: www.lockyersmid.dorset.sch.uk or why not follow us on Twitter: @Lockyers_Middle


Explore, leap, climb and party to the max at the area’s largest soft play and party centre.


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