Public Health Isle of Man has issued advice on symptoms and treatments for scarlet fever after a case was confirmed in a primary school.

Onchan Primary School confirmed earlier this week that a pupil had scarlet fever.

Scarlet fever is a contagious infection that mostly affects young children. It is easily treated with antibiotics.

The primary school said: ’Please be aware that we have at least one diagnosed case of scarlet fever in school.

’If your child develops any rash like symptoms, please seek medical advice. Children may return to school 24 hours after antibiotics have commenced.’

Cases of scarlet fever are reported to the public health department. The infection often spreads in colder months.

It is believed there are few cases in the island at present.

The first signs of scarlet fever can be flu-like symptoms, including a high temperature of 38c and above, a sore throat and swollen neck glands (a large lump on the side of your neck). This is usually followed by a rash a few days later.

Anyone who presents with these symptoms should seek medical advice through their GP.

A statement from the public health department said: ’If signs of scarlet fever are suspected, it is important to contact your doctor.

’Early antibiotic treatment for 10 days is important and can help reduce the risk of complications and the spread of the infection.’

NHS England advises that patients are ’infectious up to seven days before the symptoms start until 24 hours after you take the first antibiotic tablets’.