Victorian disease cases double in just one week - key symptoms to look out for
Scarlet fever cases have doubled in Wales in the last week, prompting fears of a second consecutive year of exceptionally high infections.
In the week ending October 29, there were 55 confirmed cases of scarlet fever in Wales - which is over double the 26 which were reported the week before. Cases had been steadily rising since the beginning of September in Wales, and since mid-September have numbered 214 so far.
In England, meanwhile, scarlet fever notifications are showing “normal levels of activity” according to data from the UK Health Security Agency. In the first six weeks of the>
These streptococcus pneumonia bacteria are the cause of Strep throat (Getty Images/iStockphoto)This was due to a large spike in cases across the UK last winter, resulting in 28,500 cases of Scarlet fever so far this calendar year, as of September 2023. At the same time last year, cases were almost half that at 16,000.
The recent doubling in cases to 55 in Wales is not yet a major cause for concern. At its peak last winter, Wales saw over 850 cases of scarlet fever reported in just one week in December, WalesOnline reported. But many will be hoping the number doesn’t rise exponentially. Health experts will be keeping a close eye on these statistics as we head into November and December, carefully considering if we are entering a winter period like last year where cases spiked.
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Scarlet fever usually presents itself with flu-like symptoms such as high temperature, sore throat and swollen neck glands. After these symptoms, a rash will often appear around 12 to 48 hours later.
Scarlet fever mainly affects children aged two to eight, with most having built up an immunity to it by the age of 10. Most cases of scarlet fever cause no complications, especially if the condition is properly treated with antibiotics.
Symptoms of scarlet fever include a sore throat, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. This is followed by a fine red rash which typically first appears on the chest and stomach, rapidly spreading to other parts of the body (older children may not have the rash). On darker skin, the scarlet rash may be harder to spot, but it should feel like 'sandpaper'. The face can be flushed red but pale around the mouth.
You should see a GP if you or your child:
have scarlet fever symptoms
do not get better in a week (after seeing a GP)
have scarlet fever and chickenpox at the same time
are ill again, weeks after scarlet fever got better – this can be a sign of a complication, such as rheumatic fever
are feeling unwell and have been in contact with someone who has scarlet fever
Scarlet fever can be treated with antibiotics. If your child has scarlet fever, they should stay away from school or nursery for 24 hours after taking the first dose of antibiotics.
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