Parents have been warned about an outbreak of scarlet fever at a school.

Two children at St George’s Primary, in Chequers Road, Minster, have been diagnosed with the infection while one other is suspected to have caught it.

The first child came down with it at the Sheppey school last Wednesday.

The affected pupils are from three separate classes in Reception and Year 1.

Scarlet fever used to be a major cause of death.

But since the arrival of antibiotics, it is more easily treatable.

Early symptoms of the disease often include a sore throat, headache, a temperature over 38.3C, nausea and vomiting.

After 12 to 48 hours, a fine red rash develops - which feels like sandpaper - and spreads from the stomach and chest to the rest of the body.

It can also cause a strawberry red-coloured tongue.

“We have said to the children they should wash their hands often and not share any eating utensils" - school spokesman

The infection is highly contagious and the bacteria are carried in saliva and mucus, meaning it can be spread by sneezing, coughing or breathing out.

Children aged between two and eight are most commonly affected.

Parents were advised in a letter from Public Health England yesterday to take their children to a GP if they start displaying signs.

A spokesman for the school said it was requested to send out the letter yesterday by the Health Protection Agency.

He said: “We have said to the children they should wash their hands often and not share any eating utensils.

“It should not cause [much disruption] because once they have been given antibiotics they are able to come back in to school 24 hours later.”

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