11th May 2024

A 5-year-old girl is brought to the paediatric clinic by her parents with a 2-day history of high fever and a spreading rash.

A 5-year-old girl is brought to the paediatric clinic by her parents with a 2-day history of high fever and a spreading rash. The rash started on her face and trunk and is now spreading to her extremities. It is maculopapular and not itchy. The child appears irritable but is drinking fluids well. Her temperature is 38.9°C. Her past medical history is unremarkable, and her immunisation record is up-to-date. The parents deny any recent travel or known sick contacts, except for a schoolmate who had a similar rash last week.

Which is the most appropriate next step in management?