Scarlet fever

Screening children or adults for the presence of group A streptococcus (GAS) is not recommended in people who are asymptomatic or have symptoms of a viral illness, unless indicated as part of public health management of an outbreak, as colonisation is common in children.[25]UK Health Security Agency. Guidelines for the public health management of scarlet fever outbreaks in schools, nurseries and other childcare settings. Jan 2023 [internet publication]. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/scarlet-fever-managing-outbreaks-in-schools-and-nurseries [47]Shaikh N, Leonard E, Martin JM. Prevalence of streptococcal pharyngitis and streptococcal carriage in children: a meta-analysis. Pediatrics. 2010 Sep;126(3):e557-64. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20696723?tool=bestpractice.com ​ However, testing asymptomatic household contacts may be recommended when they are at increased risk for complications of GAS infection, such as acute rheumatic fever or acute glomerulonephritis. Contacts should be treated if the results are positive.[3]American Academy of Pediatrics. Group A streptococcal infections. In: Kimberlin DW, Barnett ED, Lynfield R, et al, eds. Red book: 2021-2024 report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases, 32nd ed. Itasca, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2021. https://publications.aap.org/redbook [25]UK Health Security Agency. Guidelines for the public health management of scarlet fever outbreaks in schools, nurseries and other childcare settings. Jan 2023 [internet publication]. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/scarlet-fever-managing-outbreaks-in-schools-and-nurseries ​​​

Follow your national public health guidance for specific recommendations in your local area.