Scarlet fever confirmed at Wakefield school

Illness little threat if treated properly

Some Wakefield parents might have wondered which century they were in when they learned Monday that scarlet fever had been detected at their children’s school.

In a note to parents, Wakefield Elementary School said “one or more” people at the school had the bacterial infection.

While the name conjures up images of a deadly illness from times past, scarlet fever is no longer considered a major threat to children, as long as it is treated with antibiotics. However, like strep throat — to which it is related — scarlet fever can lead to more serious disease if it is not treated. As the school’s note to parents points out, that includes rheumatic fever, which can damage heart valves.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada: “Symptoms of scarlet fever include a very red, sore throat; a fever of 38.3 C (101 F) or higher; a red rash with a sandpaper-like feel; swollen glands in the neck; and a whitish coating on the surface of the tongue, giving it a strawberry-like appearance because the normal bumps on the tongue look bigger.

“Symptoms of scarlet fever usually begin one to four days after exposure to the bacteria. Approximately one to four days after the onset of illness, the characteristic skin rash will appear. The rash usually lasts for two to seven days after which the skin may peel.”