Scarlet fever cases still on the rise across Hinckley

THERE have been more than 30 cases of scarlet fever reported in Hinckley since the start of the year, nearly one-and-a-half times as many as last year.

In the five weeks to February 4, there have been 32 cases of the infection reported to Public Health England (PHE) in Hinckley and Bosworth, up from 23 in the same period in 2017.

In the week ending February 4, 984 suspected cases of scarlet fever were reported across England and Wales.

The number of reports is much higher than in the fifth week of the year in the previous eight years.

There were 440 cases reported in 2017, as well as 411 in 2016, and 76 in 2011.

Since the start of the year, there have been 3,173 cases of scarlet fever reported, up from 1,619 in the same period in 2017, and compared to 269 in 2011.

Professor Helen StokesLampard, Chair 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.

“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.

“If a patient thinks that they, or their child, might have symptoms, they should seek medical assistance.”

Scarlet fever is a very contagious, seasonal bacterial illness that mainly affects children and is not uncommon for this time of year with cases peaking between December and April.

The latest Health Protection Report showed 6,225 cases had been reported since mid-September 2017, compared to 3,764 for the same period last season.

There were 719 cases reported for the most recent week (22 to 28 January 2018).

This increasing trend is in line with usual patterns although cases are currently higher than those reported at this point in the last four seasons.

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

Nick Phin, Deputy Director 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 not usually a serious ill- ness 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.

“Whilst 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.”

PHE is also urging GPs, paediatricians, and other health practitioners to promptly notify local health protection teams of cases.