Scarlet fever case confirmed at Wellington school
A Wellington primary school has confirmed a case of scarlet fever, prompting health officials to urge parents to monitor children for symptoms. Experts note that while the bacterial infection is treatable with antibiotics, it can lead to serious complications if ignored.
Why it matters
Public health alert regarding a contagious disease that requires medical attention to prevent long-term health issues.
University of Otago professor of public health Michael Baker warns scarlet fever can be "moderately serious". Photo / 123rf
A Wellington school is urging parents to be vigilant for signs of scarlet fever after confirmation of a case at the school.
RNZ has seen a message from Brooklyn Primary School to parents, notifying them of the infection on Tuesday.
It said scarlet fever spread easily and asked the community to keep an eye out for symptoms as a precaution.
The school has been contacted for comment.
Health New Zealand said scarlet fever was a contagious bacterial infection spread through airborne droplets from an infected person’s coughing or sneezing.
University of Otago professor of public health Michael Baker said while scarlet fever was no longer the feared disease it once was, it still required treatment with antibiotics and could be “moderately serious”.
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