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A number of new cases of scarlet fever have been reported near Bristol in the past week.

Seven cases of the disease have been confirmed across the area, with three people diagnosed in Bath and North East Somerset.

Another three people have reportedly contracted the illness in south Somerset while there has been a further isolated case in Sedgemoor.

The number of new cases has been confirmed by Public Health England, Somerset Live reports.

It is the second week running that seven new cases of Scarlet Fever have been reported across the county, bringing the total number of people diagnosed in the past fortnight to 14.

(Image: NHS)

In contrast, the previous four weeks had seen 15 confirmed cases.

What are the symptoms of scarlet fever?

Scarlet fever can cause a very red face

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

Your GP can usually diagnose scarlet fever by looking at the rash. Sometimes they may use a cotton bud to remove a bit of saliva from the throat so it can be tested

Your GP will prescribe antibiotics (or liquid for young children) to 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

• up to two or three weeks later if you don't take antibiotics

Scarlet fever is contagious. It's spread in the tiny droplets found in an infected person's breath, coughs and sneezes.

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

To help stop the infection spreading :

• keep your child away from nursery or school for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment – adults should stay off work for at least 24 hours after starting treatment

• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze – throw away used tissues immediately

• wash your hands with soap and water often, especially after using or disposing of tissues

• avoid sharing utensils, cups and glasses, clothes, baths, bed linen, towels or toys

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