Parents have been warned of the threats of chickenpox and scarlet fever, which could put their children at risk. Chickenpox is on the rise in pre-schools and nurseries after many common infections declined during the coronavirus pandemic.
This rise, which experts have said are in line with what is usually expected at this time of year, comes at a time when the Sun reports that the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning following 3,488 reports of scarlet fever between September 2021 and March 2022 in England. The average number of scarlet fever infections during the same period over the last five years has been 8,605.
The concerns are that a combination of the two bacterial infections can make treatment difficult and could complicate other skin conditions. According to NHS.uk, first signs of scarlet fever are flu-like symptoms which include a high temperature, sore throat and swollen neck glands before a rash appearing 12 to 48 hours later. It is a contagious infection but can be easily treated with antibiotics.
Dominic Mellon, Deputy Director of Health Protection at UKHSA South West, was quoted in the Sun saying: "It’s not uncommon to see a rise in cases of scarlet fever at this time of year and we are continuing to monitor rates of infection. Scarlet fever is highly contagious but not usually serious and is easily treatable with antibiotics. It is important to take antibiotics, if prescribed by a GP, to minimise the risk of complications and spread to others.
“We are reminding parents and carers to be aware of the symptoms of scarlet fever and to call their GP or NHS 111 for further advice or assessment if they think their child might have it. Symptoms to look out for include a fever, sore throat and a pinkish-red rash with sandpapery feel.
"To limit the spread of scarlet fever it is important to practice good hygiene by washing hands with warm water and soap, not sharing drinking glasses or utensils, and covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing."
Chickenpox is very contagious infection and usually appear in the form of itchy, spotty rashes around the body. Anyone with chickenpox should remain at home until all spots have formed a scab, which is usually at least five days.
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.
