Cases of chickenpox and scarlet fever are “circulating in the school community” , Guernsey’s Public Health Services (PHS) has said.<\/p>\n
It has asked parents to look out for symptoms and contact their GP as soon as possible if they think their child has scarlet fever, which can be treated with antibiotics.<\/p>\n
Symptoms include a sore throat, headache, fever and nausea or vomiting, followed by a fine rash which often starts on the chest and stomach before spreading.<\/p>\n
Advertisement<\/p>\n
Advertisement<\/p>\n
Chickenpox usually starts with a mild fever, followed by an itchy rash and children should stay home until all spots have crusted over, which usually takes five days, the services said.<\/p>\n
PHS said children who have recently had chickenpox can be “slightly more vulnerable” to complications if they develop scarlet fever.<\/p>\n
It urged parents to get medical advice if their child becomes unusually unwell, has a persistent high temperature or develops a skin infection, joint pain or swelling.<\/p>\n
People can also follow hygiene steps, such as washing hands and covering coughs and sneezes to help prevent the illnesses spreading.<\/p>\n
Advertisement<\/p>\n
Advertisement<\/p>\n
Follow BBC Guernsey on X<\/a> and Facebook<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n More on this storyRelated internet links