Parents encouraged to be aware of scarlet fever symptoms

1st March 2019

Scarlet fever is a seasonal bacterial illness that is common at this time of year, mainly affects children, and is easily treated with antibiotics.

The latest report by Public Health England (PHE) shows that 6,316 cases of scarlet fever have been reported since mid-September 2018, compared to an average of 6,680 for the same period over the last 5 years. There were 409 cases reported for the most recent week (18 to 24 February 2019).

Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness but it is highly infectious so PHE is advising parents to be on the lookout for symptoms, which include a sore throat, headache and fever with a characteristic fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel. If signs of scarlet fever are suspected, it is important to contact your local GP or NHS 111.

Early treatment with antibiotics is important as it helps reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia and the spread of the infection to others. Children or adults diagnosed with scarlet fever are advised to stay at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others.

Dr Theresa Lamagni, Senior Epidemiologist at Public Health England, said:It's not uncommon to see a rise in cases of scarlet fever at this time of year. Scarlet fever is contagious but not usually serious and can be treated with antibiotics to reduce the risk of complications and spread to others. We are monitoring the situation closely and remind parents to be aware of the symptoms of scarlet fever and to contact their GP for assessment if they think their child might have it.

PHE is investigating possible reasons for why there has been a rise in scarlet fever cases over the last few years by studying the strains of bacteria causing disease and the spread of infection in different settings and patient groups.

Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said:Patients with scarlet fever usually present with flu-like symptoms including a sore throat, fever and headache, as well as a characteristic rosy rash - usually on the patient's chest initially.

Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that generally affects children under 10 more than teenagers or adults. It is very contagious but can be quickly and effectively treated with a full course of antibiotics. GPs would also recommend patients to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and use antihistamine tablets or calamine lotion for relief of symptoms related to the rash.

We have seen more cases of scarlet fever in the last few years than we've been used to - we’re unsure why this is, but if a patient thinks that they, or their child, might have symptoms, then they should seek medical advice.

Scarlet fever is caused by the bacterium S. pyogenes, or group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, the same bacterium that causes strep throat. When the bacteria release toxins, scarlet fever symptoms occur.