A WESTCLIFF grammar school has been hit with a case of Scarlet Fever.

Westcliff High School For Girls confirmed there has been a case of Scarlet Fever within the school community.

Mrs Emma Matthews, headteacher at the school, sent a letter home to parents last week sharing precautionary measures.

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The letter said: “We have been informed of a case of Scarlet Fever within our school community.

“We have contacted the East of England Health Protection Team and they have advised us to share the details below with parents as a precautionary measure.

“Although Scarlet Fever is usually a mild illness, it should be treated with antibiotics to minimise the risk of complications and reduce the spread to others.

“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, rapidly spreading to other parts of the body.

“On more darkly pigmented skin, the Scarlett Fever rash may be harder to spot, but it should feel like ‘sandpaper’.

“The face can be flushed red, but pale around the mouth.

“If you think you, or your child, have Scarlet Fever: See your GP or contact NHS 111 as soon as possible, make sure that your child takes the full course of any antibiotics, and stay at home to avoid spreading the infection.

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and liaise with the Health Protection Team.

“We shall advise parents of any further development.”

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 15 children have now died with a Strep A infection across the UK.

Government figures show there were 19 cases reported across Essex in the last full week of November.