It is not scary if a child has a fever or sore throat, but you need to be alert if these symptoms appear!

Scarlet fever is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection. It is more common in preschool and school-age children. Our province has an epidemic peak in spring and winter respectively . It is a Class B infectious disease as stipulated in the "Law of the People's Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases".

What are the symptoms of scarlet fever?

Symptoms of scarlet fever include fever (usually onset acutely), pharyngitis, rash , and skin redness that may begin to desquamate after the rash subsides.

Some patients develop thick white tongue coating and red and swollen tongue papillae 1-2 days after the disease course, which resemble "strawberry". After the white coating falls off, it resembles "bayberry", which is called "strawberry tongue" or "bayberry tongue".

There are also some patients who, in addition to the above clinical manifestations, develop severe suppurative inflammation in the pharyngeal isthmus.

Therefore, if a child shows the above symptoms in addition to fever and sore throat, be alert to scarlet fever!

How is scarlet fever spread?

Patients and carriers are the main sources of infection. The disease is mainly spread through respiratory droplets and contact with toys, utensils, hands and food contaminated by the bacteria, and can also be transmitted through damaged skin.

The incubation period after infection is generally 2 to 5 days .

How can ordinary people tell the difference?

Scarlet fever quick identification tips

"If you look at the mouth" , you will find that the child's facial skin is usually congested after a fever, but the congestion around the mouth and nose is not obvious, and it appears pale in comparison, which is called "perioral pale circle".

At this time, let the baby open his mouth and check whether there is local congestion, purulent exudation or internal rash on the tonsils. Clinically, purulent pharyngitis is generally more common and should be distinguished from pharyngitis caused by other reasons.

"Second, look at the tongue" . In the early stage of scarlet fever rash, some children will have a thick layer of white fur on their tongues. The tongue papillae are red and swollen, protruding above the white fur, especially at the tip and edge of the tongue, which is called "strawberry tongue". After 2-3 days, the white fur falls off, the tongue surface is smooth and beefy, and the taste buds are still obvious, which is called "bayberry tongue".

"Third look at the rash" . The rash may appear the next day after the onset of the disease. The rash begins behind the ears, on the neck and on the upper chest. In severe cases, it can spread to the whole body. The typical rash is a scarlet diffused small maculopapular rash on the basis of skin congestion. It fades when pressed. The rash is raised like "goose bumps" and small miliary blisters can be seen on the top.

In the skin folds of the armpits, elbows and groin, the rash is dense, dark red, with occasional bleeding spots, and in the form of horizontal lines, called "Pa's lines" .

The rash will subside in about a week, and peeling will occur at the same time. The trunk often has bran-like desquamation. In severe cases, flaky peeling may occur on the limbs, palms, and soles of the feet.

Got scarlet fever,

It is important to complete the course of medication!

If parents suspect their child has scarlet fever, they should seek medical attention promptly and follow the doctor's advice to choose appropriate medication.

Special reminder: When using antibiotics, be sure to complete the course of treatment to prevent streptococci from spreading through the bloodstream and causing serious complications ! Therefore, parents must not take chances and stop taking the medicine without authorization if they think the symptoms have improved.

Helen Keller, author of "Three Days to See"

Because scarlet fever complicated by encephalitis

Loss of vision and hearing

Prevention of scarlet fever,

Parents and schools need to pay attention!

There is currently no vaccine to prevent scarlet fever.

Preventive measures should focus on improving children's personal hygiene and environmental hygiene to reduce the incidence of the disease.

01. Seek medical treatment promptly: During the high-incidence season, especially when there are scarlet fever patients around, parents should pay close attention to the physical condition of their children. Once a child has a fever or rash, they should be sent to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment in a timely manner;

02. Treatment and isolation of patients: Children with the disease should stay in bed, be hospitalized or isolated at home, and avoid contact with other children; other people should wear masks and wash their hands frequently when contacting patients. Antibiotic treatment must be sufficient and adequate.

03. Ventilation and disinfection: The room of the sick child should be ventilated frequently by opening windows. The tableware and toys used by the sick child should be disinfected in time.

04. Strengthen school hygiene: During the scarlet fever epidemic, childcare institutions and primary schools should conduct morning and afternoon inspections. If anyone is suspected of having the disease, they should be asked to suspend classes, seek medical treatment, and be isolated for treatment. Ensure adequate ventilation in the room, clean the classroom, stationery, toys, and tableware every day, and disinfect items that the case has come into contact with in a timely manner if a case is found.