Scarlet fever is on the rise in the UK and the Government has warned parents to be aware of the symptoms.
Although the bacterial illness can be caught by people of all ages, the rates of it affecting children aged mainly under 10 years old are 'higher than expected' at this time of year, according to a new report by the UK Government.
Infection rates in Scotland have continued to increase, following previous reports that the NHS Borders Protection team are monitoring "unseasonably high numbers of scarlet fever in the community".
Those with suspected symptoms need to contact the health body immediately to seek treatment.
Parents and carers must be aware that symptoms of scarlet fever are similar to those seen with the flu - including a sore throat, headache, high temperature, sickness and swollen neck glands, reports the Mirror.
Scarlet fever is fully treatable with medication today. Considered a Victorian disease, cases of scarlet fever were more common back in the 1800s. It was a lethal illness until the invention of penicillin in 1928 and caused death in 15-20 per cent of those infected.
The Government has warned that while this unusual pattern "may continue in the future", the current spike may be a "likely result of the withdrawal of measures implemented during the coronavirus pandemic to reduce transmission".
Following the development of flu-like symptoms, a distinctive rash can then appear around 12 to 48 hours later, which can spread from the chest and tummy.
Doctors have added that parents also need to look out for small, raised bumps which will make skin feel rough and sandpaper-like to the touch.
On the tongue, a white coating may also appear, which can peel and result in a 'strawberry tongue' - where the tongue becomes red and swollen and covered in little bumps. These symptoms, doctors have said, are the same for both children and adults.
Speaking about the rise in cases, Dr Chun Tang, GP and Medical Director at Pall Mall Medical, said: “It’s been relatively rare in the UK for the past few decades but cases have been rising.
“It’s a contagious disease and can make children feel rather poorly.”
While treatment is usually a ten-day course of antibiotics, Dr Naveen Puri, Associate Clinical Director at Bupa Health Clinics, who offer GP services to one to 18-year-olds, explained: “It is contagious and passed through coughing, sneezing or close contact, sharing bath towels, clothes, bed sheets or cutlery with the infected person.
“If your child has scarlet fever, keep them out of school and away from other people.”
How to check if you or your child has scarlet fever
Scarlet fever is a contagious infection that can spread very easily, and mostly affects young children. While it is easily treated with antibiotics after a visit to the GP, it is important to always check with the surgery if you are ok to go in.
The NHS has said that the first signs of scarlet fever can be flu-like symptoms - including a high temperature - a sore throat and swollen neck glands, which look like a large lump on the side of the neck.
A rash can then appear 12 to 48 hours later, which looks like raised pink or red bumps on the chest and tummy, which then spread. The rash can also make the skin feel rough - like sandpaper.
A white coating can also appears on the tongue which can peel and leave the tongue in little bumps. Additionally, the cheeks can also look flushed or red in colour.
You should see your GP if:
- have scarlet fever symptoms
- do not get better in a week (after seeing a GP)
- have scarlet fever and chickenpox at the same time
- are ill again, weeks after scarlet fever got better – this can be a sign of a complication, such as rheumatic fever
- are feeling unwell and have been in contact with someone who has scarlet fever
For more information, you can visit the NHS website here.
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