Scarlet fever (sometimes called scarlatina) is a bacterial illness caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A streptococcus (GAS). It mostly affects young children. 

A wide variety of bacteria and viruses can cause tonsillitis and other throat infections. Most are caused by viruses but streptococci bacteria account for 25 to 30% of cases. It produces toxins (poisons), which cause a rash.

Symptoms vary but in severe cases there may be high fever, difficulty swallowing and tender enlarged lymph nodes. The rash develops on the first day of fever, it is red, generalised, pinhead in size and gives the skin a sandpaper-like texture and the tongue has a strawberry-like appearance.

The scarlet fever rash may be confused with measles. The fever lasts 24 to 48 hours. Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness but is rarely complicated by ear infections, rheumatic fever which affects the heart, and kidney problems.

Scarlet fever is highly infectious and is spread by close contact with someone carrying the bacteria. The incubation period is 2 to 5 days.

Coughing, sneezing, singing and talking may spread respiratory droplets from an infected person to someone close by.

Droplets from the mouth or nose may also contaminate hands, eating and drinking utensils, toys or other items and spread to others that use or touch them, particularly if they then touch their nose or mouth. 

Note that symptoms may present differently depending on the skin tone. This guidance is not intended to act as a diagnostic tool. If concerned, refer to a clinician and follow appropriate and proportionate measures in the meantime.

For more info, please click on the link below:

https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2022/12/05/group-a-strep-what-you-need-to-know/