Group A streptococcal (GAS) infection is a group of bacteria which causes infections in the throat and skin.
Scarlet fever is a contagious infection caused by Group A streptococcal infection that mostly affects young children. It's easily treated with antibiotics.
Sometimes severe GAS disease may occur when bacteria get into parts of the body where bacteria are usually not found, such as the blood, muscles or the lungs. These infections are known as invasive Group A Streptococcal disease (iGAS) and may include serious conditions, such as toxic shock syndrome.
The symptoms of scarlet fever include a sore throat, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. This is followed by a fine red rash, which typically first appears on the chest and stomach, rapidly spreading to other parts of the body. Older children may not have the rash.
On more darkly pigmented skin, the scarlet rash may be harder to spot, but it should feel like 'sandpaper'. The face can be flushed red but pale around the mouth.
Parents who suspect their child has symptoms of scarlet fever are advised that they should:
See their GP or contact NHS 111 as soon as possible
Make sure their child takes the full course of any antibiotics prescribed by the doctor
Keep their child at home, away from nursery, school or work and follow any guidance provided by their GP on how long they should remain absent from these settings.
For information on please visit the Public Health Wales website