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Update on Group A Strep and Scarlet Fever
Thu 08 Dec 2022Dear Parent / Carer
There has been an increasing amount of information in the news over the last few days about an illness circulating in children called ‘Group A strep’ or ‘Strep A’.
Unfortunately, we have been informed there has been a confirmed case in school. I understand some parents may be worried and I fully appreciate the concern. The school is working closely with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Walsall Council's public health team on this matter.
Group A strep is a common bacteria. Lots of us carry it in our throats and on our skin and it does not always result in illness. However, it does cause a number of infections, some mild and some more serious.
In some cases, infection with group A strep causes scarlet fever. I want to reassure you, in many children, this is usually a mild illness and it rarely causes complications. Streptococcal infections can spread between children easily.
At present there is no evidence that a new strain is circulating. The increase is most likely because the measures that we’ve taken for the last couple of years to reduce COVID circulating has also reduced other infections circulating.
Signs and symptoms of scarlet fever
There are lots of infections circulating and for most children these should resolve without requiring medical treatment. Look out for symptoms in your child, including,
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Fever
- A fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel.
- On darker skin the rash can be more difficult to detect visually but will have a sandpapery feel
In very rare cases Group A Strep bacteria can enter a person’s bloodstream. This can cause an illness called invasive group A strep (iGAS). Whilst still very uncommon, there has been an increase in iGAS cases this year, particularly in children under 10 years old. It is very rare for children with scarlet fever to develop iGAS infection.
Seek help from the NHS
Please trust your own judgement as a parent / carer. Contact NHS 111 or your GP if:
- Your child is getting worse
- Your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
- Your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
- Your child is very tired or irritable
- Your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher
- your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- Your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
- There are pauses when your child breathes
- Your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
- Your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake
Protect your children by getting the flu vaccination
It is also important that children from two years upwards are protected from seasonal flu with the vaccine. It is not too late to come forward and get the vaccine, as this will help provide the best protection for them against flu. Find out more on NHS Black Country ICB website: https://blackcountry.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/health-advice/flu/flu-nasal-spray-children
Stay home if unwell
School staff remain vigilant of signs and symptoms of winter illnesses. If your child is unwell, please can they remain at home until they feel better. This will help to stop infectious diseases spreading in our school.
Help stop the spread
It is important to continue with the simple measures we were all used to during COVID-19. Please can I encourage you to continue to:
- Wash hands frequently as this help to kill viruses and bacteria
- Use a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes and wash hands after or use hand sanitiser
- Keep away from others when feeling unwell.
More information on Strep A is available on the UKHSA website https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2022/12/05/group-a-strep-what-you-need-to-know
If you have any questions on the information in this letter, please contact the school office.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs M Harris
Head Teacher
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Christmas Activities
Thu 01 Dec 2022Christmas Dinner – Tuesday 6th December
The only available meal option on this day will be Christmas Dinner or a vegetarian option. In order that we can have an idea of those wishing to stay for lunch on this day, could you please indicate your child’s choice on the attached slip and return to school by Friday 2nd December.
If your child receives Free School Meals there will be no charge for Christmas Dinner, otherwise the usual cost of £2.10 will apply. This can be paid through your ParentPay account or by sending cash into school on the day.
Christmas Jumper Day – Thursday 8th December
All pupils and staff are invited to wear a Christmas jumper on Thursday 8th December and donate £1.00 to help support Save the Children’s vital work. Year 4 can bring a change of clothes for PE if they wish or wear joggers and trainers. Year 6 children will be at Laches Wood but will be able to take part if they wish.
Christmas Party Box and Non-Uniform – Friday 16th December
Children can wear party clothes/non-uniform and are invited to bring a party box with some party food. This is NOT their lunch and will take place during the morning. Children are encouraged to decorate a Christmas box at home as part of their design and technology project. Teachers will give more information about the boxes and prizes will be awarded for the best decorated box in each class.
Christmas Disco – Friday 16th December
Years 3 & 4 – 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Years 5 & 6 – 1.45pm – 2.45pm
We break up for the Christmas holidays at 3pm on Friday 16th December 2022. School reopens in the New Year on Tuesday 3rd January for Inset day and we welcome all pupils back to school on Wednesday 4th January 2023.
If you have any queries regarding the Christmas activities, please speak to class teacher or the school office.
Yours sincerely,
M Harris
Head Teacher