Download 2016-06-13 Scarlet Fever OLOL 2 - Wellington Catholic District

SUBJECT:
Scarlet Fever
Date issued:
May 31, 2016
To:
Parents and Staff
From:
Control of Infectious Diseases Team, Public Health
Pages: 2
There has been one physician diagnosed case of scarlet fever at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic High School.
What is scarlet fever?
Scarlet fever is an infection caused by group A Streptococcus (Strep)) bacteria. The bacteria make a toxin
(poison) that may cause a red rash. Not all Strep bacteria make this toxin and not all children are
sensitive to it. Two children in the same household may both have Strep infections, but one child
(who is sensitive to the toxin) may develop the scarlet fever rash while the other child may not.
Scarlet fever was once a serious childhood illness, but is now easily treated with an antibiotic.
What are the signs and symptoms of scarlet fever?
The disease starts with:
 Sore throat.
 Swollen glands in the neck.
 Headache and tiredness.
 Vomiting.
 Fever and chills.
Several days later:
 A fine red rash that feels like sandpaper. This usually begins on the neck and spreads to the
chest, back, and groin area. The rash usually doesn’t appear on the face, but the face may
appear flushed.
By day six:
 Rash usually fades, but the affected skin may begin to peel.
How does scarlet fever spread?
Scarlet fever is spread by breathing in droplets that are sprayed into the air when an infected person
sneezes, coughs, or talks. It can be spread by direct contact with any discharge from an infected
person’s mouth, nose, and throat.
How long is someone contagious?
A person with Strep throat is able to spread disease from the start of the symptoms until 24 hours
after starting the antibiotics.
What can parents do?
 Watch your child for signs and symptoms of scarlet fever. If your child has symptoms, call
your doctor.
 If your child is started on an antibiotic, make sure to finish the drug, even if your child begins
to feel better.
 If your child’s throat is sore, give him or her soothing drinks, soft foods, soups, or ice cream.
Make sure that your child has lots to drink.
What are some ways to prevent other types of illness?
 Good hand washing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infection. Clean
hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub especially after coughing,
sneezing, wiping a nose, using the washroom or changing a diaper and before eating and
preparing food
 Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
 Do not share food, drinks, toothbrushes, lip care products, cigarettes, musical instruments
with mouthpieces, or eating utensils with others. Sports teams should not share water bottles
or mouth guards
 If you have symptoms of illness avoid direct saliva contact with others (e.g., kissing).
When can my child return to school or child care?
Children with scarlet fever should not return to school or child care, or participate in group activities,
until they have taken antibiotic drugs for at least 24 hours.
For more information, refer to contact or website:
Call:
Control of Infectious Diseases Reporting Line
Contact:
519-822-2715 or 1-800-265-7293 ext. 4752 / www.wdgpublichealth.ca
CID(L)27 – 12/2015am