Scarlet Fever

Signs and Symptoms

Usually begins with a red, sore throat with white patches
Other symptoms may include fever, swollen glands in the neck, headache, chills, fatigue, nausea and vomiting.
A few days later a fine red rash, which feels like sandpaper, appears.
The rash usually appears on the neck, chest, under the arms, elbow and groin, and on the inner thighs.
When the rash begins to fade, the skin may begin to peel,
A white coating may appear on the surface of the tongue, and the tongue itself will look like a strawberry because the normal bumps will look bigger.

Spread

Spread by direct contact with the saliva and nasal discharge of an infected person
Can also be spread through the air when the infected person talks, coughs or sneezes

Treatment

Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics.
If your child's throat is sore, provide soothing drinks, soft foods, soups or ice cream. Make sure that your child drinks plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration (not enough water).

Prevention

Good hand washing is the single best way to prevent the spread of infection. Teach your child to wash his/her hands with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, wiping his/her nose and before eating or preparing food.
Teach your child to cover his/her mouth when sneezing or coughing, and not to share food, drinks or eating utensils.

A person with scarlet fever should be excluded from daycare/school/work until 24 hours after starting antibiotics.

Reports