Parents warned to be aware of recent spread of scarlet fever

Parents are being called upon to make themselves aware of the symptoms of scarlet fever following a recent proliferation of the disease in England.

Public Health England has highlighted new Health Protection Report data showing that 11,982 cases of scarlet fever have been reported since mid-September 2017, compared to an average of 4,480 for the same period over the last five years.

Scarlet fever is a contagious, seasonal bacterial illness that mainly affects children around this time of year, with common symptoms including a sore throat, headache or fever, accompanied by a characteristic fine, pinkish or red rash with a sandpapery feel.

As such, parents are being called upon to look out for these signs, while GPs, paediatricians, and other health practitioners are being asked to be mindful when assessing patients and to promptly notify local health protection teams of cases and outbreaks.

Nick Phin, deputy director at Public Health England, said: "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."

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