OXFORD University Hospitals have issued guidance on scarlet fever, following an increase in the number of cases in the county.

Scarlet fever is caused by a bacteria called Group A streptococci ('Strep'), which can also cause other respiratory and skin infections such as strep throat and impetigo.

The trust issued guidance saying it is usually a mild illness, but it is highly infectious and it is important to look out for symptoms in children, which can include a sore throat, headache, and fever, along with a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a 'sandpapery' feel.

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A spokesperson for the trust said: “Contact NHS 111 or your GP if you suspect your child has scarlet fever, because early treatment with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia or a bloodstream infection.

“If your child has scarlet fever, keep them at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatments to avoid spreading the infection to others.

“There are lots of viruses around at the moment that cause sore throats, colds and coughs.

“These should get better without medical intervention. However, sometimes children can develop a bacterial infection on top of a virus which can make them more unwell.”

Meanwhile, preventative antibiotics could be given to children at schools affected by Strep A infections, the schools minister has confirmed.

Nick Gibb told GB News the issue was raised in the House of Lords on Monday and the use of antibiotics is an option.

Updated guidance on scarlet fever outbreaks published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in October sets out how antibiotics can be used as prophylaxis but a decision is taken with local outbreak control teams (OCTs) on “a case-by-case basis”.

It added: “It can be considered in exceptional circumstances by the OCT; for example, when there are reports of severe outcomes, or hospitalisations.”

Mr Gibb told GB News: “Lord Markham said in the House of Lords yesterday that the UK Health and Security Agency are monitoring the position and are considering those kind of issues in those schools where there is an infection.

“This is an ongoing situation, the UKHSA are involved very closely with those schools and they will be providing further advice later on.

“But that may well be an option for those particular schools where there is an infection.”

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According to the i, the move would see penicillin or an alternative antibiotic given to all children in a year group that had been hit by a case of Strep A – even if they did not have symptoms.

It comes after the deaths of at least eight children from invasive Strep A infection since September.

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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @AnnaColivicchi