Leeds health chiefs have told residents to 'be vigilant, not alarmed' during the current scarlet fever outbreak.
The city recorded the second-greatest number of scarlet fever cases in England and Wales last week. The disease which affects children is caused by the bacteria group A streptococcus, or 'strep' A, hence the name 'strep'.
While scarlet fever occurs in children every winter, levels across the country this winter have been at nearly three times the level of previous years. The disease, which is spread by coughs and sneezes, is usually mild but should be treated with antibiotics to prevent complications such as pneumonia arising.
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Leeds City Council, director of public health Victoria Eaton, said: “We are aware that what people see and hear in the media can be alarming, but while there is cause for being vigilant there isn’t cause for alarm.
“Our public health and education teams are working hard to ensure that parents, schools and early years settings have the correct information and the support they need. Alongside our colleagues from UK Health Security Agency, we are providing additional specialist advice and guidance to any settings with confirmed outbreaks.”
Clr Salma Arif, executive member for public health on the council, said: “I would urge all parents and carers to be aware of the signs and symptoms of scarlet fever, particularly the more serious ones, so they can seek urgent medical assistance if required.
“We can all play a valuable part in reducing the spread of infections and illness by continuing to practice good hand hygiene and encouraging our children to do the same.”
What are the signs and symptoms of Scarlet Fever?
The early symptoms of scarlet fever can include a sore throat, headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
Often followed by:
- A red rash, which may have a ‘sandpaper’ like feel to it. This usually appears first on the chest and stomach and can rapidly spread to other parts of the body. The red rash may be harder to spot on darker skin, although the 'sandpaper' feel is likely to be present.
- Flushed red cheeks.
- A white coating on the tongue which peels, leaving the tongue red, swollen, and covered in little bumps. This is often referred to as 'strawberry tongue'.
If you think you, or your child, might have Scarlet Fever:
- Contact your GP or NHS 111 as soon as possible.
- Make sure that you or your child take(s) the full course of any antibiotics prescribed even if symptoms improve.
- Stay at home, away from nursery, school or work for at least 24 hours after starting the antibiotic treatment, to avoid spreading the infection.
Seek urgent medical attention by calling 999 or attending your local A&E department if:
- Your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs.
- There are pauses when your child breathes.
- Your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue.
- Your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake.
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