We are aware of increased concern regarding scarlet fever and group A strep infections, due to an increase in cases and the very sad news about the children who have died of invasive group A streptococcal infections (iGAS).
Whilst cases of iGAS remain rare, we have been pressing the Department for Education (DfE) to send guidance to schools and early years settings. This has now been published on the DfE Education Hub
DfE Education hub Strep A & Scarlet fever
this blog also includes links to UKHSA guidance on
Managing outbreaks & incidents
and
Preventing & controlling infection
Public health bodies across the UK have also issued letters to all education and early years settings in line with guidance produced by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
UNISON has produced the following guidance for members and reps on the basic measures your school or early years setting should be taking for preventing and controlling scarlet fever and group A streptococcal infections :
- Requesting that parents, carers and students inform the setting as soon as possible of a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of any infectious disease.
- Asking parents / carers of children who have symptoms to keep them away from the setting for the recommended period of time advised by your local Health Protection Team for the specific condition or disease.
- Ensuring occupied spaces are well ventilated with fresh air (whilst also balancing thermal comfort). See joint unions ventilation guidance
- Monitoring carbon dioxide levels in all rooms
- Ensuring frequent cleaning of surfaces and touch points throughout the day
- Encouraging good hand and respiratory hygiene practices
- Contacting the local Health Protection Team for advice if it is believed there may be two or more cases in your setting within a 10 day period
These basic mitigations will also assist in relation to the risk of other infectious diseases such as flu, COVID-19 and norovirus. The combination of these measures and following UKHSA recommendations, including ensuring all eligible groups are enabled and supported to take up the offer of immunisation programmes, will help protect the whole community and reduce avoidable causes of short term absence.
More guidance on general health protection and specific conditions is also available below.
Health protection in children and young people settings, including education
The key message for parents and carers is that you should seek urgent medical advice if you have any concern about your child’s symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of Scarlet fever
If you have concerns about issues in your school, please urgently raise them with the school and contact your workplace rep or branch. Click here for the UNISON branch directory: https://branches.unison.org.uk/