FAMILY CORNER

With the number of cases increasing in recent months, we’ve got information about the signs and symptoms to share with families

Recent months have seen a sharp increase in the number of scarlet fever cases in the UK. In November 2022, there were a total of 851 cases reported – up from an average of 186 over the same period in previous years. It is caused by the Group A Streptococcus (GAS) virus, which also causes impetigo and strep throat.
Although most cases of scarlet fever are mild and can be treated easily with antibiotics, in some rare cases there may be complications such as invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS).

People sometimes mistakenly believe that scarlet fever is a tropical disease but it is common in the UK. The illness, also sometimes known as scarlatina, is highly infectious and strikes most commonly in children under the age of 10, although people of any age can get it.

Scarlet fever is easily treatable with medication and antibiotics.

The most common symptoms are a sore throat, high temperature and flushed, red cheeks which resemble sunburn, as well as a blotchy rash and swollen glands in the neck.The most common symptoms are a sore throat, high temperature and flushed, red cheeks which resemble sunburn, as well as a blotchy rash and swollen glands in the neck.
Scarlet fever is sometimes accompanied by vomiting and a white coating on the tongue. Children who have recently had impetigo may later develop scarlet fever.
The rash usually starts on the chest or stomach before spreading to other areas. The blotches may join up, leaving large red patches of skin, which turn white if you press a glass on them. The white coating on the tongue may peel off after a few days, leaving it red and swollen – this is known as strawberry tongue.

It is important that you treat scarlet fever straight away. If left untreated for too long, there may be complications including ear and lung infections. In severe cases, the illness may lead to pneumonia, meningitis and rheumatic fever.

It is important to see a doctor as soon as you suspect that your child has scarlet fever so that appropriate antibiotics can be prescribed and taken as soon as possible. The quicker it is diagnosed and medication prescribed, the faster your child will recover and the less likelihood there will be of complications. Your GP may take a throat swab or ask for a blood test to confirm their diagnosis.

To help with symptoms, in addition to the prescribed medication, your child should also be offered cool drinks and soft food to eat that won’t irritate their throat. Calamine cream and antihistamines can help with itching.

Because scarlet fever is contagious, tissues should be used to catch coughs and sneezes and quickly discarded. Families should avoid sharing towels or bed linen if a child is infected. Hands should be washed regularly to avoid spreading germs.There is currently no vaccine for scarlet fever.