A Dundee primary school has been hit by an outbreak of scarlet fever.
One parent of children at Downfield Primary School claimed that at least 20 pupils have fallen ill in recent days.
The city council education department today declined to disclose the number infected, but confirmed advice had been sent to parents.
Scarlet fever is named for the distinctive rash it causes. It is usually a mild illness, but in rare cases it can have serious complications.
The parent told The Courier he was “concerned and angry” at what he claimed was a lack of swift communication from the school.
He said the first child to be affected attends the school’s nursery.NHS Direct scarlet fever symptoms and treatment adviceA parent went on Facebook last week to warn others, but the school itself did not send out a note to parents until Monday.
“We are now are at a point where at least 20 children are off suffering from either scarlet fever or strains of it. These are only the cases I am aware of,” the man said.
A council spokesman said: “The school followed advice from the NHS Tayside school nursing service about the issuing of information.
“Parents and families have been given guidance about contacting a health professional if they think their child has scarlet fever.
“The primary’s communication also stresses that any pupil with the condition should not attend school for five days after they take their first medication.”
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