UK Health Security Agency: Scarlet fever study

Study on scarlet fever to stop it's spread

The bacteria causing scarlet fever can spread rapidly during outbreaks, particularly in semi-closed settings such as schools and nurseries.

The researchers would like to investigate ways of reducing the spread of scarlet fever between children in these settings studying:

• Whether some strains of streptococcal bacteria are more infectious than others in children
• To compare how well commonly prescribed antibiotics work to clear the infection and how quickly
• To explore the nature and extent of spread within the nursery or school
• To investigate which hygiene measures e.g. hand washing, classroom cleaning; are most effective in reducing the spread of infection.

The research team hopes this important study will inform national policy on the effective use of antibiotic treatment for scarlet fever and also the measures taken to control outbreaks in schools and nurseries.

In the long term the aim is to reduce the size of scarlet fever outbreaks in future years and the number of children experiencing serious, life changing streptococcal infections.

Further information

If you would like any more information about the study, please contact the study team via email GAS.RIT@UKHSA.gov.uk or telephone the RIT on 0207 123

The attached letter from UKHSA has the details of the study.