More than 30 cases of scarlet fever were reported in Bath in the first two months of the year - FIVE times as many as last year.
In the first nine weeks of the year, 31 suspected cases of scarlet fever were reported to Public Health England in Bath and North East Somerset.
The number of reports is 5.2 times higher than the six cases reported in the same nine weeks in 2017, and the highest number of reports since at least 2014, when there were just 12 cases.
In the nine weeks ending last Sunday (March 4), 8,274 suspected cases of scarlet fever were reported to Public Health England across England and Wales.
The number of reports is much higher than over the same period in the previous eight years. There were 4,030 cases reported in 2017, as well as 3,574 in 2016, and 599 in 2011.
Earlier in February, Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, 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.
The latest Health Protection Report showed 6,225 cases of scarlet fever 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. It is not possible at this point to determine what the final numbers will be for this season.
Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness; Public Health England 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 illness 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.”
Public Health England is also urging GPs, paediatricians, and other health practitioners to be mindful when assessing patients and promptly notify local health protection teams of cases and outbreaks.
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