ENGLAND and Wales is seeing a surge in scarlet fever cases, Government figures have revealed.
Infection rates have climbed by almost 70 per cent within the last month, sparking outbreak fears.
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Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection, triggered by Group A Strep bacteria.
In rare cases, the bacteria can reach the bloodstream and cause a fatal invasive disease called iGAS.
It can be caught by anyone, but most commonly affects children under the age of 10.
New data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) suggests cases of scarlet fever are climbing – but numbers still appear to be lower than last year.
Read more on scarlet fever
Some 225 cases of the bug were reported during the week ending October 15 – up from 133 in the week ending September 10.
This suggests cases have risen by 69 per cent in just over one month.
For comparison, 528 infections were reported during the same week in October in 2022.
Last winter, cases of the killer bug surged at unusually high levels.
During that time, a total of 426 people – including 48 children – died with iGAS in England alone.
Commenting on the recent surge in cases, Dr Theresa Lamagni, an epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “Scarlet fever is known to show a slight seasonal uptick around this time.
“Cases of scarlet fever and invasive Group A strep are currently in line with what we would typically see at this time of year and much lower than what we saw last December.”
The Notification of Infectious Diseases report (NOIDS) shows there have been 3,376 cases of the bug since July – some 38 per cent fewer than in the same time period last year.
The South East appears to be the hardest hit. There have been 38 positive tests, with Hampshire and West Sussex among those with the highest rates.
It’s followed by London, where 36 positive tests have been reported – mostly in the outer towns like Havering and Richmond.
On the other end of the scale comes Wales, which reported zero cases.
Meanwhile, the South West reported 27 cases, the West Midlands 24, and the East Midlands and East of England both noted 23 positive tests.
The North East reported 19, and Yorkshire and Humber discovered 10.
What are the symptoms of scarlet fever?
According to the NHS, symptoms of the disease include:
- sore throat
- skin infection, including blisters or impetigo
- high temperature
- headache
- flushed cheeks
- large pink or red rash on the skin, which is often itchy and feels like sandpaper
- swollen neck glands
- loss of appetite
- nausea or vomiting
- red lines in the folds of the body, such as the armpit, which may last a couple of days after the rash has gone
- a white coating on the tongue, which peels a few days later leaving the tongue red and swollen (this is known as strawberry tongue)
- a general feeling of being unwell
Can it be treated?
In the past, cases of scarlet fever could be extremely serious.
Thankfully, modern day instances are often mild and can easily be treated with antibiotics.
What to do if you or your child has scarlet fever
Parents are advised to book an appointment for their children at their local GP if they notice symptoms of the bacterial bug.
If diagnosed, sufferers will be prescribed a course of liquid antibiotics, which are to be taken for 10 days.
Symptoms often clear up within two weeks, but there can be complications of scarlet fever.
There is a small risk of the infection spreading to other parts of the body, causing ear infections, sinusitis or pneumonia.
It’s advisable to return to your GP as soon as possible if you’re affected by headaches, vomiting or diarrhoea after the initial scarlet fever symptoms have cleared up.