After a confirmed case of scarlet fever at an Ayrshire primary school, the health department boss issued a warning to parents.
Officials in NHS Ayrshire and Allan are urging parents and guardians to keep an eye on their children for potential symptoms.
Scarlet fever is a contagious infectious disease that primarily affects young children.
A case of infection has been reported at Annan Hill Elementary School in Kilmarnock, part of the town’s Grange campus.
The Board of Health has now issued written notices to parents and guardians of children attending this school with information about symptoms and what to do if symptoms appear.
Lynn McNiven, the board’s director of public health, said: “Our public health department has reported a small number of scarlet fever cases at Annanhill Elementary School in East Ayrshire.
“As a precautionary measure, we have sent written information to parents and caregivers of children attending this school about symptoms and what to do if symptoms develop.
“With the number of scarlet fever cases rising across Scotland in recent weeks, we are asking parents and carers to be on the lookout for symptoms and help contain the spread.”
If you or your child thinks you have scarlet fever, here are some tips:
• See your GP or call NHS 111 as soon as possible after hours for proper diagnosis and proper treatment.
• Make sure you or your child are taking the full amount of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.
• Stay home and away from daycare, school, or work for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection.
Ms McNiven added: “Children who have had recent chickenpox are more likely to develop more serious infections during scarlet fever outbreaks, so parents should avoid chronic illnesses such as persistent high fever, cellulitis (skin infection), and arthritis (joint pain). Symptoms should be noted: and swelling).
For more information on scarlet fever, see NHS information website.
