Parents warned after massive rise in scarlet fever

Parents are being urged to look out for symptoms of scarlet fever as cases hit an almost 50-year high.

Some 600 cases a week are being diagnosed across England following a steep rise in infections recently, with 6,157 cases from September 2015 to now, Public Health England (PHE) said. The East and West Midlands are among the areas of the UK particularly badly hit.

In 2010/11, there were just 1,457 infections diagnosed over the same period, jumping to 5,010 in 2014/15.

Scarlet fever can be spread through contact with individuals who are infected. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The reasons behind the rise are unclear, but Public Health England said they "may reflect the long-term natural cycles in disease incidence seen in many types of infection".

PHE expects a further rise in cases in the next few weeks as the peak season for the fever occurs, usually between late March and mid April.

  • What is scarlet fever?

Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness caused by Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, or group A streptococcus, which live on the skin and in the throat.

It can be spread through close contact with individuals carrying the organism - or though indirect contact with objects and surfaces that have been contaminated.

It's a seasonal disease - and although it was once a very dangerous infection, most cases now aren't very serious.

  • Who can get scarlet fever?

Anyone can get it, although it is most common in children between the ages of two and eight years old.

  • What are the symptoms?

According to NHS England, the symptoms usually take two to five days to appear and include a sore throat, headache, high temperature (38.3C/101F) or above), flushed face and swollen tongue.

A pink-red, sandpapery rash develops 12 to 48 hours later, typically on the chest, before spreading to other parts of the body.

  • How is it treated?

Antibiotics can be given to minimise the risk of complications. At present, there isn't a vaccine for scarlet fever.

Symptoms usually clear up after a week and the majority of cases will resolve without complication as long as the recommended course of antibiotics is completed.

Symptoms include a pebbly, pink-red rash. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

PHE is warning all health practitioners to be mindful of the increase when assessing patients.

It said that "close monitoring, rapid and decisive response" to potential outbreaks, as well as early treatment is crucial.

Dr Theresa Lamagni, PHE’s head of streptococcal infection surveillance, has said parents can play in recognising when their child needs to be seen by a doctor.

Individuals who think they or their child may have scarlet fever should seek advice from their GP without delay as prompt antibiotic treatment is needed.