Doctors report rise in cases of mumps and scarlet fever
A SURGE in cases of mumps and scarlet fever has been recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.
In the space of a week, there were 16 mumps cases and one of scarlet fever, according to Public Health England, which monitors cases of infectious diseases across the UK with the help of doctors.
The body’s report, which covers the period from January 27 to February 2, show the cases were spread around the city and two counties rather than isolated in one area.
In comparison, the first week of 2020 saw seven cases of mumps and four cases of scarlet fever. Reported cases have been rising since.
The latest figures also revealed two cases of whooping cough.
There is no cure for mumps, but the infection should clear inside a fortnight.
Serious complication are rare, but it can cause viral meningitis if the virus moves to the outer layer of the brain.
Symptoms of mumps include headaches, joint pain and a high temperature.
An NHS spokesman said: “While mumps is not usually serious, the condition has similar symptoms to more serious types of infection, such as glandular fever and tonsillitis.
“Your GP can usually make a diagnosis after seeing and feeling the swelling, looking at the position of the tonsils in the mouth and checking the person’s temperature to see if it’s higher than normal.
“Mumps is spread in the same way as colds and flu – through infected droplets of saliva that can be inhaled or picked up from surfaces and transferred into the mouth or nose.
“A person is most contagious a few days before the symptoms develop and for a few days afterwards.
“You can protect your child against mumps by making sure they’re given the combined MMR vaccine for mumps, measles and rubella.”
Scarlet fever is caused by bacteria known as group A streptococcus.
It is spread through close contact with people carrying the organism, often in the throat, or by touching contaminated objects and surfaces.
Cases occur all year round, but mainly in the spring. It was a common cause of childhood death in Victorian times.
Even today, in rare cases, it can cause severe illnesses such as pneumonia, sepsis and liver and kidney damage.
Symptoms include a sore throat, headache and fever accompanied by a characteristic pink red rash that feels like sandpaper.
A GP will prescribe antibiotic tablets (or liquid for young children) to take for five or 10 days.