Parents and carers alert issued by the UKHSA South West
Increasing numbers of incidents of both scarlet fever and chicken pox have resulted in a reminder of the symptoms being issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) South West along with advice regarding the importance of effective hand hygiene, according to a recent report on the Plymouth Herald website.
Reporter Elliot Ball reveals that levels for both illnesses are pretty much in line with numbers in a normal year – though they have increased when compared to 2021 levels.
The article quotes the Deputy Director of Health Protection at UKHSA South West, Dominic Mellon, who advised that, although scarlet fever is “highly contagious”, it is often not serious and is “easily treatable with antibiotics”.
The importance of hand washing
Ensuring that children wash their hands regularly and well after going to the toilet or before eating, for example, are vital lifetime skills, which need to be taught properly.
Mr. Mellon emphasised that it has a particular important role to play when it comes to helping prevent children (and adults) from catching the illness.
“To limit the spread of scarlet fever it is important to practice good hygiene by washing hands with warm water and soap, not sharing drinking glasses or utensils, and covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.”
The report also flagged up that many common illnesses, which declined during the lockdown years, are now on the increase – including chicken pox “which is also common in pre-school and nursery settings”.
Scarlet fever and chickenpox cases rise across England »
A child learning to wash hands with a KiddiSynk
Portable hand wash units for children can be used both indoors and out
The Kiddiwash range of warm water hand wash units are perfect for smaller hands – and are ideal where a portable solution is required.
Whether you require a larger wheeled unit such as the KiddiSynk, or the ultra portable Kiddiwash Xtra, you can ensure that all children in your care are able to wash their hands whether inside or out.
Hand washing – the most important lesson a child can learn!
Hand washing with soap and water is an essential lifelong skill. Here, children in your care can learn the ten simple steps that show how to wash hands effectively.
