Parents are being urged to seek medical help if they suspect their child has been infected with Strep A.
The updated advice from health officials comes as cases Strep A (Group A streptococcus) of have been increasing since the beginning of October.
NHS Lothian has not confirmed if there are cases in the area, but several have been detected in Ayrshire.
Public Health Scotland (PHS) is monitoring the situation and published an update on the situation.
The illness most commonly presents as scarlet fever, however, more serious infections, such as when the bacteria gets into the bloodstream are rare.
There were 25 recorded cases of these more serious invasive infections during November across Scotland, in all age groups.
Dr Nick Phin, Director of Public Health Science at PHS, said: “The bacteria causing scarlet fever, and related infections, is usually found in the throat and on the skin.
“We would, therefore, encourage adults to ensure children wash their hands frequently with soap and water, and to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze and then put the used tissue in the bin. These simple actions can help to reduce the spread of common infections like Group A strep.
“If your child is showing signs of scarlet fever, please seek advice from a health professional as most cases respond promptly to early treatment with antibiotics.
“PHS continues to work closely with NHS Boards, as well as public health colleagues across the UK, to monitor the situation.”
Scarlet fever causes the following symptoms: headache, sore throat, high temperature and raised pink/purple spots that join up to produce a skin rash, which feels like sandpaper to the touch.
More information on scarlet fever, including when to seek medical advice, can be found on NHS Inform.
Cases of GAS usually increase during the winter and the last time significant numbers of cases were reported was in the 2017/18 season. Peaks can occur every three to four years but social distancing measures implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic may have interrupted this cycle and explain the current increase being observed.
Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here
