TWO pupils at a Torquay school have been stuck down with scarlet fever.

A third child at Ilsham Primary School has been kept at home amid fears they also have the infection.

Health officials have reassured parents saying it is not uncommon for children to contract the disease.

Three other children at the school contracted the disease just before Christmas.

School staff were made aware of the latest outbreak last week and a letter was sent home to parents on Friday.

The letter stated 'scarlet fever is not a serious infection' and is 'treatable with antibiotics'.

Head teacher Lynn Atkinson said: "We were notified last week that there were three possible cases of scarlet fever affecting pupils, and we then had confirmation of two cases.

"On Friday, we sent a letter home to inform parents and to give them advice from health professionals on what symptoms to look out for.

"Three other pupils went off school with the infection just before Christmas. I am pleased to say they have made a full recovery and are back in school.

"We wish the pupils who are currently off school a speedy recovery, and we look forward to welcoming them back when they are fit and well."

Bay GP Dr Peter Moore explained: "Scarlet fever is not as serous as it was 100 years ago.

"The disease is caused by a bacteria in the throat that produces a toxin that affects the rest of the body.

"A lot of people will get the sore throat. And, in 10 per cent of people, it gives off the toxin that causes scarlet fever.

"The bacteria is sensitive to penicillin. We give a course for 10 days and like a lot of sore throats, it gets better.

"Today, in healthy people, scarlet fever isn't a big deal although it is a notifiable disease."

Dr Moore added: "The infection probably never really went away, that is why it has come back.

"People can get the bacteria without having any symptoms, so it may not have actually gone away."

The letter told parents that once treated with antibiotics, the child should be non-infectious quite quickly, but urged that children with the disease should be kept off school for at least five days.

The first symptoms of scarlet fever include a sore throat, headache, fever nausea and vomiting.

Between the first 12 to 48 hours after this the characteristic bright red rash develops. The rash is usually seen in those aged under 18 years.

It usually takes one to four days for the symptoms to appear after coming into contact with the bacteria.

Scarlet fever usually clears up after a week. People with high temperatures should drink plenty of fluids and keep cool. Paracetamol can be taken to relieve discomfort and bring down temperatures.