Strep A and Scarlet Fever Cases Higher than Usual

Mother checking temperature of her sick son who has thermometer in his mouth.

Strep A and Scarlet Fever Cases Higher than Usual

Early years providers are being asked for vigilance after a rise in Step A and Scarlet Fever cases has been identified in England. Strep A is a bacterial infection that can produce a wide range of symptoms including Scarlet Fever. In most people, the case is mild, but it can become the invasive Group A Streptococcal disease, which is more serious as the bacteria makes its way into parts of the body where it is not normally found. Sadly in some cases this can be fatal and there have been a small number of deaths this year already.

Authorities are not asking for special additional measures to be taken, but have requested that providers follow usual outbreak management processes, in accordance with government guidance. The guidance can be found here and details the requirements in the case of a outbreak. An outbreak is defined as 2 or more probable or confirmed cases within 10 days of each other, cases in settings dedicated to children who are clinically vulnerable, serious cases, cases requiring hospitalisation, fatalities, or where there are further issues that make the outbreak difficult to manage.

Although numbers are higher than comparable periods, they are still below the peak period seen in the 2017-18 season. There is no evidence a new strain is circulating and it is likely a range of factors are responsible for the changing pattern. It is not known yet whether the disease is simply peaking earlier than usual, or if the increased numbers will continue into the winter.

You can read the government’s guidance on managing an outbreak here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/scarlet-fever-managing-outbreaks-in-schools-and-nurseries