Parents are being warned to look out for the symptoms of scarlet fever after the death of a sixth child in the UK from Strep A. Group A Streptococcus is a bacteria which can cause scarlet fever, with a spike in cases being reported this winter.
The most common scarlet fever is is usually a mild illness, but it can result in serious compliactions and treatment with antibiotics is reccomended. Although mainly affecting children under the age of 10, people of any age can contract it, Belfast Live reports.
Flu-like symptoms are said to be the first signs of scarlet fever, according to the NHS, with signs to look out for including a high temperature, sore throat, and swollen neck glands. A rash will then usually appear within 12 to 48 hours, which the NHS described as "small, raised bumps."
