Number of scarlet fever cases is soaring
CASES of “highly contagious” scarlet fever are continuing to soar in Wales, with more than 90 reported in the past week alone.
The number of cases is much higher than in the same period of the year in the previous four years.
According to new data for the week ending February 11, 92 suspected cases were reported in Wales.
There were 27 reported in 2017, 25 in 2016, and 23 in 2015.
And since the beginning of the year, there have been 273 cases reported in Wales – more than double the 124 seen in the same period in 2017.
Professor Helen StokesLampard, chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs, said: “Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that usually presents with a sore throat, fever, headaches and a rosy rash that generally starts on a patient’s chest. It is very contagious disease and much more common in children under 10 than teenagers or adults.
“But it can be treated quickly and effectively with a full course of antibiotics and all GPs are trained to diagnose and treat it.”
She added: “Scarlet fever used to be a lot more common than it is now, but GPs are noticing more cases than in previous years.”
Bridgend has seen the most cases of scarlet fever this year with 29, followed by Swansea (25), Vale of Glamorgan (23) and Rhondda Cynon Taff (23).
Conwy and Gwynedd have seen the highest number in North Wales over the past week with nine each, followed by Flintshire on seven, Anglesey with two and a single case in Denbighshire.
Nick Phin, deputy director at Public Health England which collates the results, said: “It’s not uncommon to see a rise in cases of scarlet fever at this time of year.
“Scarlet fever is not usually a serious illness 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 and to contact their GP for assessment if they think their child might have it.”
He added: “While there has been a notable increase in scarlet fever cases when compared to last season, greater awareness and improved reporting practices may have contributed to this increase.”