Parents warned of dangerous chickenpox and scarlet fever ‘cocktail’ with as rash cases rise

PARENTS across the country have been warned of a dangerous chickenpox and scarlet fever cocktail that targets children.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning after 3,488 notifications of scarlet fever were reported between September 2021 and March 2022 in England.

AlamyParents have been warned as scarlet fever cases have risen[/caption]

The number is compared to an average of 8,605 for this same period in the previous five years.

But the fact that chickenpox cases are also on the rise makes it more dangerous for children as the mixture of the two bacterial infections could make treatment more difficult.

Experts say that many common infections declined during lockdown but they’re now circulating at higher levels, particularly affecting pre-school and nurseries.

While levels for both infections are in line with what is expected at this time of year, concerns have emerged that the bacteria that causes scarlet fever (group A streptococcus) could complicate other skin infections such as chickenpox.

Scarlet fever is usually a mild but highly infectious illness, prompting UKHSA to urge parents to be on the lookout for symptoms.

Symptoms of scarlet fever could be a sore throat, headache and fever with a characteristic pinkish or red body rash.

If signs of scarlet fever are suspected, it is important to contact your local GP or NHS 111.

Early treatment of scarlet fever with antibiotics is important as it helps reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia and the spread of the infection to others.

Children or adults diagnosed with scarlet fever are advised to stay at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others.

Dominic Mellon, Deputy Director of Health Protection at UKHSA South West said “It’s not uncommon to see a rise in cases of scarlet fever at this time of year and we are continuing to monitor rates of infection.

“Scarlet fever is highly contagious but not usually serious and is easily treatable with antibiotics. It is important to take antibiotics, if prescribed by a GP, to minimise the risk of complications and spread to others.

“We are reminding parents and carers to be aware of the symptoms of scarlet fever and to call their GP or NHS 111 for further advice or assessment if they think their child might have it. Symptoms to look out for include a fever, sore throat and a pinkish-red rash with sandpapery feel.

“To limit the spread of scarlet fever it is important to practice good hygiene by washing hands with warm water and soap, not sharing drinking glasses or utensils, and covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.”

On the other hand, chickenpox is another highly infectious infection caused by the varicella zoster virus, and presents itself with a characteristic rash, with vesicles on the face, spreading down over the body to the arms and legs.

Although generally mild in otherwise healthy children, it can be more severe in pregnant women and immuno-suppressed individuals.

AlamySymptoms of scarlet fever include the characteristic red rash[/caption]

Children with chickenpox should remain at home until they are better and the rash has gone.

During the pandemic, Covid measures such as social distancing, enhanced hygiene and school and nursery closures kept cases below average.

The North West has the highest rate of cases of scarlet fever in any region in England.

It is usually a mild illness, but rare symptoms of group A streptococcus infection can include septicaemia (infection in the blood) which can potentially be fatal.

Other rare symptoms can arise when scarlet fever circulates at the same time as other skin infections – such as chickenpox.

Schools and nurseries can be a hotbed for spreading the bugs.

Early treatment of scarlet fever with antibiotics is important as it helps reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia and the spread of the infection to others.

Dr Merav Kliner, interim regional deputy director for the North West at UKHSA, said people can protect themselves by:

Washing hands often

Not sharing eating utensils with an infected person

Washing, or disposing of, handkerchiefs and tissues contaminated by an infected person

Being aware that people can catch scarlet fever by inhaling airborne droplets if someone with the illness coughs or sneezes in the air near them

Use a tissue to catch, bin and kill germs

If you think you, or your child, have scarlet fever seek medical advice, and if you or your child are prescribed antibiotics, make sure you take the full course.

Current guidance advises that children should not return to nursery or school and adults to work until a minimum of 24 hours after starting treatment to avoid spreading infection.