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Almost 200 cases of scarlet fever have been reported in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire in the first three months of the year - TWICE as many as last year.

New figures from Public Health England show there have been 171 suspected cases of the illness between January 1 and April 1.

The number of reports is 1.9 times higher than the 88 cases in the same 13 weeks in 2017, and compares to 86 cases reported in 2016 and 123 in 2015.

Stoke-on-Trent saw the highest number of reports in the first 13 weeks of the year, with 47, up from 19 in the same period in 2017.

It was followed by Staffordshire Moorlands with 24 cases, up from five, with 16 cases in Newcastle, 11 in Stafford and the rest in the south of the country.

(Image: Cheshire East Council)

Across the country there were 15,549 suspected cases of scarlet fever reported over the same 13 weeks.

The number is much higher than over the same period in the previous eight years. There were 7,050 cases in 2017, as well as 8,360 in 2016, and 1,016 in 2011.

How can I spot Scarlet Fever - and how can I cure it or stop it spreading? The symptoms of scarlet fever are a fine pinkish or red rash that feels similar to sandpaper – in conjunction with a sore throat, headache and fever. If your child has these symptoms it is recommended that you see your GP or call NHS 111. It is diagnosed by a GP and treated with antibiotics. The spread from person to person can be slowed down or stopped by thorough hand washing and by keeping children off school for at least 24 hours after their GP has started them on antibiotics and until the child is well enough to go back. It is best for antibiotics to be started early so that complications, such as pneumonia, can be avoided and to stop the illness from spreading.

Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, chairwoman 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.

(Image: Getty Images)

“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."

PHE 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.



Treatment for scarlet fever Your GP will prescribe antibiotic tablets (or liquid for young children) to take for five or 10 days. You or your child should start feeling better after a day or two, but make sure you finish the whole course of treatment. While taking antibiotics: rest and drink plenty of fluids

take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you're uncomfortable or have high temperature (don't give aspirin to children under 16)

try to avoid spreading the infection

Deputy director Nick Phin 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.”

PHE 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, contact your local GP or NHS 111.

