Parents in Nantwich are being warned to look out for signs of scarlet fever after an outbreak at a local primary school.
A number of children at Pear Tree Primary in Stapeley have caught the infectious condition, and the school is now undergoing a “deep clean”.
Letters have been sent home to parents advising them to check for symptoms.
Mary Hennessy Jones, headteacher at Pear Tree, said: “We have sought advice from the local Public Health England, Health Protection Team.
“They have advised that although scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, it should be treated with antibiotics to minimise the risk of complications and to reduce spread to others.”
The symptoms of scarlet fever include a sore throat, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting.
This is followed by a fine red rash which typically first appears on the chest and stomach, rapidly spreading to other parts of the body.
On more darkly-pigmented skin, the scarlet rash may be harder to spot, but it should feel like ‘sandpaper’.
The face can be flushed red but pale around the mouth.
Ms Hennessy Jones added: “The Health Protection team have advised us on hygiene measures to help prevent spread within our school.
“Parents can also help with this by reminding children of the importance of coughing/sneezing in to tissues and placing these in the bin, washing hands regularly and ensuring any breaks to the skin are covered with a waterproof plaster/dressing before attending school.”
If parents think their child has scarlet fever, they should contact their GP or NHS 111 as soon as possible.
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