Parents are being warned to look out for the symptoms of scarlet fever after the death of a sixth child in the UK from Strep A. Group A Streptococcus is a bacteria which can cause scarlet fever, with a spike in cases being reported this winter.
The most common scarlet fever is is usually a mild illness, but it can result in serious compliactions and treatment with antibiotics is reccomended. Although mainly affecting children under the age of 10, people of any age can contract it, Belfast Live reports.
Flu-like symptoms are said to be the first signs of scarlet fever, according to the NHS, with signs to look out for including a high temperature, sore throat, and swollen neck glands. A rash will then usually appear within 12 to 48 hours, which the NHS described as "small, raised bumps."
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This rash is said to look pink or red on pale skin, but the NHS says it can be harder to spot on darker skin although it can still be detected by touch, with the rash said to feel like sandpaper. 'Strawberry tongue' is another symptom of scarlet fever, a white coating that appears on the tongue and peels, leaving it red and swollen.
Dr David Cromie, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said: "Scarlet fever is contagious but not usually serious. Early treatment with antibiotics reduces the risk of complications and spread to others. Scarlet fever usually clears up after about a week, but anyone who thinks they or a child may have it should contact a GP for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
"It is important to take antibiotics as instructed by your GP, to minimise the risk of complications. To limit the spread of scarlet fever it is also important to practise good hygiene by washing hands with warm water and soap, not sharing drinking glasses or utensils, and covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing."
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