Big increase in cases of scarlet fever

A new outbreak of scarlet fever has occurred across Bath and Somerset, with 13 fresh cases across the county confirmed in a week.

The total number of people infected with the disease across the South West in the week ending February 16 stood at 72, up from 27 in the previous seven days, according to figures released by Public Health England.

Four people were diagnosed with scarlet fever in South Somerset during that week, along with four in Bath and North East Somerset.

There were three fresh cases in North Somerset while two people contracted the illness in Mendip.

The figures were in stark contrast to the previous week, when not a single case was confirmed in Somerset itself.

There were seven fresh cases in Dorset, while five people were diagnosed with scarlet fever in Wiltshire.

The symptoms of scarlet fever include a sore throat, headache and fever, accompanied by a characteristic pink red rash that feels like sandpaper.

Doctors can usually diagnose the condition by looking at the rash. Sometimes they may use a cotton bud to remove some saliva from the throat so it can be tested.

GPS will prescribe antibiotics – or

liquid for young children – that patients should take for five or 10 days.

Scarlet fever usually clears up within a week, although the skin may peel for a few weeks after the other symptoms have passed.

The infection is contagious from before the symptoms appear until 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment, or up to two or three weeks later if patients don’t take antibiotics

The fever is spread in the tiny droplets found in an infected person’s breath, coughs and sneezes.

People can be infected if the droplets get into their mouth, nose or eyes – either by being in close contact with an infected person or by touching something that has droplets on it.

It is therefore important to wash hands with soap and water often.