Parents in England have been warned to be on their guard, following news that the current number of scarlet fever cases in the country has hit a near-50-year high.
Public Health England (PHE) revealed that there were a staggering 6,157 cases of the condition between September 2015 and March 2016, with figures set to spike once more between late March and mid-April. The worst hit areas so far are Yorkshire, Humber, London, and the East and West Midlands
With a reported total of 17,586 cases of scarlet fever arising last year alone, experts have urged parents to know the signs and symptoms, and get in touch with a doctor as soon as possible if they are worried.
Typical symptoms of the illness include:
- Red, sore throat
- Fever
- Red, coarse rash
- White coating of the tongue or throat
- Headache
- Body ache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
Sharing this important health update with the country, Dr Theresa Lamagni of PHE said: “Individuals who think they or their child may have scarlet fever should seek advice from their GP without delay, as prompt antibiotic treatment is needed.”