This first-aid expert’s verdict
What parents need to know about Scarlet Fever & Strep A
As winter approaches, health officials are urging parents to be aware of the increased risk of Scarlet Fever and Strep A infections. These bacterial infections can cause a range of symptoms, including a sore throat, fever, and a distinctive rash. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are crucial to prevent complications.
What is Streptococcus?
These infections are caused by several strains of bacteria, notably the most common are streptococcus A and streptococcus B. These infections are extremely common and frequently responsible for sore throats experienced by millions of us every year.
Typically, most group A streptococcal bacteria cause relatively mild skin and throat infections, and are responsible for common conditions such as:
* step throat: sore throat
* impetigo: localised infection of the skin producing pus-filled blisters
* cellulitis: infection of the skin, fat and underlying tissues
* erysipelas: inflammation of the upper layers of the skin
* tonsillitis: severe throat infection particularly impacting the tonsils
* scarlet fever: infection causing sore throat, fever and rash
Generally, these infections are common and usually resolve quickly with antibiotics. It is rare for these infections to cause serious illness. Therefore, if you or your child present with one of these infections contact your GP and get treatment early. You do not will not need to go to A&E.
Invasive streptococcal infection
However, Group A streptococcal bacteria can get into the blood, deep muscle or fat tissue and cause, what are known as invasive streptococcal infections. These can be extremely serious and life-threatening and are responsible for some of the following conditions:
* bacteraemia (blood infection) – which can lead to sepsis
* endocarditis (heart lining infection)
* meningitis (brain and spinal cord inflammation)
* peritonitis (intestinal inflammation)
* urinary tract infection
* necrotising fasciitis (death of tissue under the skin which usually requires surgery)
* streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (infection causing low blood pressure and injury to organs such as the kidneys, liver and lungs – similar to sepsis)
Some people are natural carriers of streptococcal bacteria on their skin or in their throat, vagina, bladder or rectum. However, carriers do not usually develop an infection from this.
How is it passed on?
Streptococcal bacteria are spread by person-to-person contact with someone with an infection or less likely a carrier. Streptococcal bacteria can also spread in droplets from the nose or throat of someone with an infection.
More rarely, streptococcal bacteria can enter the body in food contaminated with the bacteria – most often milk and milk products, as well as eggs.
Invasive streptococcal infections develop when bacteria get past the body’s natural defences such as a break in the skin. Health conditions that reduce immunity to infection make invasive infections more likely. Therefore, people with chronic illnesses like cancer, diabetes and kidney disease, and those who use medications such as steroids, are at greater risk. However invasive streptococcal infections can be a complication of other streptococcal conditions such as Scarlet Fever. As a result parents should be vigilant for early signs that their child may be getting worse or becoming seriously ill.
Preventing the spread of Streptococcus
The spread of bacteria can be reduced by good hand washing, especially after coughing and sneezing, before preparing foods and before eating.
Cuts, grazes and other wounds should be kept clean and watched for signs of infection, including swelling, redness, pus and pain in the area of the wound. If
What steps should parents take if they suspect their child has Scarlet Fever or a Strep A infection?
## Scarlet Fever Concerns on the Rise: A Talk with Dr. Alex Reed
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show, Dr. Alex Reed. With winter approaching, we’re seeing news reports about a rise in Scarlet Fever and Strep A infections. Can you tell us what parents need to know about these illnesses?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me. It’s true that these bacterial infections are more common in colder months. Scarlet Fever, in particular, is caused by group A Streptococcus, the same bacteria responsible for strep throat.
**Interviewer:** What are the signs that a parent should look out for?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** It often starts with symptoms similar to a bad cold – sore throat, fever, maybe a headache. But the telltale sign of Scarlet Fever is a red, bumpy rash all over the body. [[1](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23108-scarlet-fever)]
**Interviewer:** And Strep A?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** Strep A can cause a range of infections, from mild sore throats to more serious conditions like impetigo, cellulitis, and even invasive infections that can affect the blood, heart or brain.
**Interviewer:** That sounds very concerning. What should parents do if they think their child might have one of these infections?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** It’s important to contact their doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are crucial, especially for Scarlet Fever, to prevent complications.
**Interviewer:** Any other advice for parents worried about these infections?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** Good hygiene practices are essential – frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes. And keep children home from school if they are sick to prevent spreading the infection.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing this valuable information, Dr. Alex Reed.
**Dr. Alex Reed:** My pleasure.
