The P2 pupil at Black Mountain Primary School in north Belfast who tragically passed away as a result of the bacterial infection Strep A has been named as Stella-Lily McCorkindale.
It comes as warnings have been issued about the rise in group A Streptococcus which can also cause scarlet fever. On rare occasions, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause an illness called invasive Group A strep (iGAS), which can be fatal. Clusters of scarlet fever have been reported at schools and nurseries in Antrim, Belfast, Bangor and Craigavon.
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is advising parents and carers to be aware of the symptoms of scarlet fever following an increase in the number of cases.
The PHA has seen an increase in notifications of scarlet fever which is above the levels we usually see at this time of year.
This follows two years during the pandemic when notifications were lower than usual. Other parts of the UK have also reported increases.
Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that mainly affects children under 10 but people of any age can get it. It is not usually a serious illness, but can result in serious complications, therefore treatment with antibiotics is recommended. This helps to reduce the risk of complications and spread to others.
The symptoms of scarlet fever are non-specific in early illness and may include:
- sore throat;
- headache;
- high temperature;
- nausea and vomiting.
After 12 to 48 hours the characteristic red, generalised pinhead rash develops, typically first appearing on the chest and stomach, then rapidly spreading to other parts of the body, giving the skin a sandpaper-like texture. On more darkly-pigmented skin, the scarlet fever rash may be harder to spot, although the sandpaper-feel should be present.
Dr David Cromie, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said it’s not uncommon to see a rise in cases of scarlet fever at this time of year and they are continuing to monitor rates of infection across the Northern Ireland.
“Scarlet fever is contagious but not usually serious. Early treatment with antibiotics reduces the risk of complications and spread to others.
“Scarlet fever usually clears up after about a week, but anyone who thinks they or a child may have it should contact a GP for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
“It is important to take antibiotics as instructed by your GP, to minimise the risk of complications.
“To limit the spread of scarlet fever it is also important to practise good hygiene by washing hands with warm water and soap, not sharing drinking glasses or utensils, and covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. People should also stay away from nursery, school or work for 24 hours after taking the first dose of antibiotics.”
Typically, one or two children under the age of 10 die as a result of Strep A during the winter in the UK.
In the week to November 20., there were 851 cases of scarlet fever reported in the UK, compared to an average of 186 for the preceding years.
Health officials have said there is currently no evidence that a new strain is circulating. The increase is instead likely related to high amounts of circulating bacteria and social mixing following the end of COVID-19 restrictions.
Further information about scarlet fever is available on the PHA website: www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/scarlet-fever.