There has been an average of 851 cases of scarlet fever per week - and the NHS has issued guidance to parents on symptoms to look out for
before the weekend regarding the current outbreak of scarlet fever among children, citing “social mixing” and high amounts of bacteria are to blame for the rise in cases. Official data from the agency states ”there have been five recorded deaths within seven days of andiagnosis in children under 10 in England. During the last high season for Group A Strep infection there were 4 deaths in children under 10 in the equivalent period.
The agency was also quick to point out to parents that “currently, there is no evidence that a new strain is circulating,” though they are now monitoring the rise in lower respiratory tract strep infections, which have been cited as the cause of the severe cases of scarlet fever. Discussing the current outbreak, deputy director of the UK Health Security Agency Dr Colin Brown said: “The bacteria usually causes a mild infection producing sore throats or scarlet fever that can be easily treated with antibiotics [but] in very rare circumstances, this bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause serious illness – called invasive Group A strep .”
“This is still uncommon; however, it is important that parents are on the lookout for symptoms and see a doctor as quickly as possible so that their child can be treated and we can stop the infection becoming serious. Make sure you talk to a health professional if your child is showing signs of deteriorating after a bout of scarlet fever, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection.
Scarlet fever can be spread to other people up to six days before symptoms develop and until 24 hours after a first dose of antibiotics is taken.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Seventh child dies from Strep A in UK as parents warned of signs and symptomsSeventh child reported to have died from Strep A as parents warned of signs and symptoms
Read more »
How to spot tell-tale scarlet fever rash as 6 kids die in Strep A outbreakPARENTS are being warned to watch out for the tell-tale signs of a deadly scarlet fever infection in the wake of a horror outbreak of the invasive group A Strep disease. Six children have tragicall…
Read more »
Private schoolboy, 12, dies from invasive Strep A 'becoming UK's oldest victim'A 12-year-old boy in in south-east London has died after contracting Strep A making him the 'UK's oldest victim'
Read more »
Mum is 'haunted' by son's screams in hospital with Strep AThe mum of a five-year-old boy has said that parents need to be on the lookout for symptoms after a spike in cases of Strep A this winter.
Read more »
Huge fundraising campaign for girl, four, seriously ill in hospital with Strep A'Dean and Kaye would like to thank every single person for their prayers, care and love at this heart-breaking time'
Read more »
Mum's warning to parents after daughter struck down with Strep ALaura Rooney told parents to be vigilant for signs of the potentially deadly infection after her daughter was diagnosed as a result of it.
Read more »