Scarlet fever case numbers are on the rise in Northern Ireland. The Public Health Agency is urging parents to contact a GP if they are concerned that their child might have the illness
By Marie-Louise ConnollyThe number of cases of scarlet fever in Northern Ireland has risen in the past couple of weeks.
The Public Health Agency is alerting parents to the symptoms in children, including a pin-prick rash on the skin. Speaking to BBC News NI, Dr Joanne McClean from the PHA said clusters of cases had been identified and health officials were monitoring numbers.Pre-school children aged two years and over are eligible to receive the free flu jab through their GP.The status of the flu season in Australia often serves as a predictor for the northern hemisphere.
Dr McClean said scarlet fever was "usually mild illness" but those who have it can "develop serious consequences in the short and long term". She said: "It starts off with the child being a bit unwell - maybe a temperature, sore throat, out of sorts - but they go on to develop quite a characteristic rash.
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