Town sees most cases of scarlet fever in Wales
BRIDGEND has seen the highest number of cases of “very contagious” scarlet fever in Wales since the start of the year.
According to new data for the week ending February 11, 92 suspected cases of scarlet fever were reported across the country.
The number is much higher than in the sixth week of the year in the previous four years, with 27 cases reported in 2017, 25 in 2016, and 23 in 2015.
And since the start of the year, there have been 273 cases of scarlet fever reported in Wales – more than double the 124 seen in the same period in 2017.
Since the start of 2018, Bridgend has seen the most cases (29), followed by Swansea (25), Vale of Glamorgan (23) and Rhondda Cynon Taff (23).
Numbers across Wales also appear to be rising week on week, with 92 in the week to February 11, compared to 76 the week before, 47 in the week to January 28, and 28 in the week to January 21.
Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, 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 a 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.
“Scarlet fever used to be a lot more common than it is now, but GPs are noticing more cases than in previous years at the moment.”
Public health experts are advising parents to be on the lookout for symptoms, which include a sore throat, headache and fever with a characteristic fine, pinkish or red rash with a “sandpapery” feel.
If scarlet fever is suspected, it is important to contact your local GP or NHS Direct.