Huge rise in scarlet fever cases in Wales

CASES of scarlet fever have rocketed in Wales over the past six weeks – and are almost twice as high as the same period last year.

In the six weeks to January 7, covering December and the festive period, 170 suspected cases of scarlet fever were reported in Wales to Public Health England (PHE), which gathers all the data for both England and Wales.

The number of reports is much higher than over the same period in the previous five years.

There were 98 cases reported in 2016-17, as well as a previous peak of 112 in 2015-16 – and just 12 in 2013-14.

Bridgend and Swansea saw the highest number of reports over the six-week period, with 19 each, up from six and 14 respectively in the same weeks in 2016-17.

Scarlet fever, also called scarlatina, causes a blotchy, pink-red rash and mostly affects children under 10 years old.

It is rarely serious and most cases of scarlet fever cause no complications.

Jo McCarthy, acting consultant in health protection at Public Health Wales, said: “If you think your child has scarlet fever or you have symptoms of scarlet fever it is important to see your GP as treatment with antibiotics is recommended. It will reduce the length of time that the infection is contagious and speed up recovery.”

Symptoms of scarlet fever develop within a week of being infected. Early signs include a sore throat, a headache, a high temperature, swollen glands in the neck and being sick.

This may be followed by a rash on the body, which is made up of pink-red blotches and usually starts on the chest or stomach, and a white or red tongue.