Scarlet Fever Symptoms: Parents are urged to look for warning signs as cases rise

Public health authorities have issued advice following rising cases of scarlet fever in England, with health chiefs urging parents to check for possible symptoms

Parents are being urged to look out for possible warning signs of scarlet fever following a spike in cases across the country.

Public health officials have issued recommendations after the North West had the highest infection rate for scarlet fever in England between September 2021 and March 2022.

The UK Health Safety Authority (UKHSA) reported that there were a total of 914 cases of Scarlet fever reported.

The numbers are up compared to 2021 when measures to reduce the spread were put in place Covid-19with kindergarten and school closures, a big factor in keeping cases below average.

Although the number is in line with expectations at this time of year, scarlet fever is highly contagious as it can be transmitted through coughing and sneezing.

Scarlet fever is caused by a bacterium called group A streptococcus and is a low-grade fever, but there are other rare symptoms of group A streptococcus that may include sepsis (infection in the blood) which can be potentially life-threatening.

There are other rare symptoms that can occur when scarlet fever is circulating in a school or nursery at the same time as other skin infections such as chickenpox.

Symptoms of scarlet fever include:

• Sore throat
• headache
• Fever
• A characteristic fine, pink or red body rash that feels like sandpaper.

If signs of scarlet fever are suspected, it is important that you contact your GP NHS 111

The first signs of scarlet fever can be flu-like symptoms, including high temperature, a Sore throat and swollen cervical glands (a large lump on the side of your neck).

A rash appears 12 to 48 hours later. It looks like small, raised bumps and starts on the chest and abdomen and then spreads.

The rash makes your skin feel rough, like sandpaper.

Treating scarlet fever early with antibiotics is important as it helps reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia and spreading the infection to others.

Children or adults diagnosed with scarlet fever are advised to stay home for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others.

For more information on scarlet fever see www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet-fever/