Urgent warning to parents over ‘highly contagious’ Victorian disease with ‘serious’ complications – and 12 signs to spot
BUG BEAR
Plus, what to do if you or your child has scarlet fever
- Isabel Shaw, Health reporter
HEALTH chiefs have alerted the public to a 'highly contagious' disease with ‘serious’ complications.
Scarlet fever was the leading cause of infant death during the Victorian era.
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Today, the bacterial infection remains common, especially in the winter months.
But thanks to modern medicine and improved hygiene, it rarely leads to death.
The latest data shows over 12,000 scarlet fever cases confirmed in England from January to March 2024, including 1,011 cases in just the first two weeks.
This was higher than the average for the previous five years, but below the high levels seen for the same period in 2023.
While scarlet fever is most prevalent in winter, it can still be contracted during summer - and it can be serious.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) encourages anyone experiencing symptoms to contact their GP promptly, who may then recommend a course of antibiotics.
"Scarlet fever mostly affects young children," the alert, posted on X (formally Twitter) today, read.
"While it's usually a mild illness, it can become serious if left untreated.
"If you or your child have symptoms, contact your GP practice online or over the phone first, as it is highly contagious."
While scarlet fever primarily affects young children, it can be contracted at any age.
Early symptoms of scarlet fever often mimic Covid — a high fever, sore throat, and swollen neck glands.
Then, within 12 to 48 hours, the classic signs kick in.
One standout symptom is a rough rash, with the texture of ‘sandpaper.’
It usually starts on the chest or stomach and can spread across the body.
The NHS says the rash appears pink or red on lighter skin but can be harder to spot on darker skin - though the texture is always the same.
Parents are advised to book an appointment for their children at their local GP if they notice symptoms of the bacterial bug.
If diagnosed, sufferers will be prescribed a course of liquid antibiotics, which should be taken for ten days.
Symptoms often clear up within two weeks, but there can be complications of scarlet fever.
There is a small risk of the infection spreading to other parts of the body, causing ear infections, sinusitis or pneumonia.
It’s advisable to return to your GP as soon as possible if you're affected by headaches, vomiting or diarrhoea after the initial scarlet fever symptoms have cleared up.
Another telltale sign is the ‘strawberry tongue’ - swollen, bright red, and covered in tiny bumps.
Sometimes it’s coated white, and the tonsils may be inflamed.
“Scarlet fever lasts for around one week," the NHS says.
"You can spread scarlet fever to other people until 24 hours after you take your first dose of antibiotics.
"If you do not take antibiotics, you can spread the infection for two to three weeks after your symptoms start.
"If you or your child has scarlet fever, stay away from nursery, school or work for 24 hours after you take the first dose of antibiotics.”
It is caused by a bacteria called Group A streptococcus (group A strep) and spreads easily.
Thanks to antibiotics, it’s now less common and easier to treat, and the risk of complications is vastly reduced.
There is a small risk of the infection spreading to other parts of the body, causing ear infections, sinusitis or pneumonia.
And the bacteria can reach the bloodstream and cause a fatal invasive disease called iGAS.
Cases of Strep A surged in winter 2022, peaking in December - leading to severe antibiotic shortages.
During that time, a total of 426 people, including 48 children, died with iGAS in England.
For pregnant women, the NHS says there is "no evidence to suggest that getting scarlet fever during pregnancy will harm your baby."
"But it can make you feel unwell, so it's best to avoid close contact with anyone who has it.”
THE NHS says you should watch out for:
- A sore throat
- Skin infection, including blisters or impetigo
- A large itchy pink or red rash on the skin (will appear after flu-like symptoms)
- Headache
- A high temperature
- Flushed cheeks
- A swollen tongue
- Swollen neck glands
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Red lines in the folds of the body, such as the armpit, which may last a couple of days after the rash has gone
- A white coating on the tongue, which peels a few days later, leaving the tongue red and swollen (this is known as strawberry tongue)
The symptoms are the same for children and adults, although scarlet fever is less common in adults
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