Scarlet Fever cases confirmed in Home Farm Primary School

Home Farm, in Lexden, has told parents “a small number of children” have caught the infection.

Headteacher Richard Potter has said the school, in Shelley Road, has been deep-cleaned to limit infection.

He told the Gazette: “Like all schools, when cases of Scarlet Fever are found those cases are reportable to the UK Health Security Agency and guidance is given by that body.

Headteacher - Richard Potter (Image: Newsquest)

“At Home Farm, we have a responsible and proactive parent community and so we were able to gather guidance and respond very quickly.

“With a heightened awareness of any new cases, we have taken steps to restrict further spread wherever we can.”

Health officials have reported a surge in cases of Scarlet fever, an infection caused by Strep A which mostly affects young children and can be easily treated with antibiotics.

Concerns are growing as at least nine children have now died with a Strep A infection across the UK.

Primary school - Home Farm (Image: Google)

A letter sent to families by Mr Potter, seen by the Gazette, said handwashing is “regular” among pupils and staff.

It reads: “Even though for most children this is a mild illness, please be reassured that we have a programme of regular handwashing and deep cleans in place to limit infection.”

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, before spreading to other parts of the body.