We have been informed by Public Health England that some common infections like Scarlet Fever, Chickenpox and Strep Throat infections can develop into invasive Group A Streptococcal also known as IGAS.
Symptoms are mild and can include sore throat, mild fever and minor skin infections. If your child has these symptoms then we would advise that you take them to see their GP.
Their GP can arrange for the child to be tested if necessary and then treated with antibiotics. If the GP thinks that the child has IGAS infection, the child will need to remain off school for 24 hours following the start of the antibiotics.
In very rare cases the infection can be more serious and cause invasive disease, this can occur when bacteria enter parts of the body where it is not normally found. This can happen when a child has sores or breaks in the skin (for example from scratching chickenpox lesions/eczema), or when a child has a decreased ability to fight infection. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of IGAS, which are detailed below:
- Severe muscle aches
- Localised muscle pain
- Unexplained diarrhoea or vomiting
- High fever
If someone becomes ill with some of these signs or symptoms, please seek urgent medical help.
