A school in Accrington has issued a warning letter to parents after a number of children have been diagnosed with scarlet fever or chicken pox.

A small number of children at St Oswald's R.C. Primary and Nursery School have fallen ill as the number of scarlet fevers cases confirmed across the country has increased drastically.

The warning comes after the devastating news that nine children in the UK have already died from Strep A bacterial infections.

Strep A bacteria can cause many different infections, ranging from illnesses including skin infection, impetigo, scarlet fever and strep throat. The bacteria are commonly found in the throat and on the skin, and some people have no symptoms.

On Tuesday, December 6, St Oswald's R.C. Primary and Nursery School sent out letters to parents after cases of scarlet fever and chicken pox were confirmed.

The school’s Facebook posts says: "Parents, we have been made aware of children diagnosed with Scarlet Fever and chickenpox this morning.

"I immediately sought advice from Public Health England, who got back to me after school this evening. They have advised I send this letter to you all, which will be coming out on paper tomorrow.

"We have also been advised to follow some enhanced measures in school, which will be implemented immediately. Please remain vigilant for the symptoms listed and follow the advice given.”

The letter reads: “We have been informed that a small number of children who attend St Oswald's RC Primary School and Nursery have been diagnosed with scarlet fever or chicken pox. We have sought advice from UK Health Security Agency North West Health Protection Team.

"They have advised that 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 or stomach, rapidly spreading to other parts of the body.

"On more darkly pigmented skin, the scarlet red rash may be harder to spot, but it should feel like ‘sandpaper’. The face can be flushed red but pale around the mouth.”

“The Health Protection Team have advised us on hygiene measures to help prevent spread within our school/nursery.

"Parents/guardians can also help with this by reminding children of the importance of coughing/sneezing into tissues and placing these in the bin, washing hands regularly and ensuring any breaks to the skin are covered with a waterproof plaster/dressing before attending school/nursery.”

Parents have been advised to see a GP or contact NHS 111 as soon as possible if they suspect their child has scarlet fever.

They have also been advised to cut their child's fingernails, put socks on their hands at night to stop them scratching, bathe in cool water, dress in loose clothes, avoid going near newborn babies and speak to a GP if concerned a child has chickenpox.

Currently, nine children have died in the UK since September from this, and the UKHSA are urging parents to speak with their doctor immediately if they notice their child having these symptoms.