PARENTS are advised to be aware of the symptoms of scarlet fever following an increase in the number of cases at schools and nurseries in Cumbria.

Over the past week, the Public Health team at Cumbria County Council has seen an increase in the number of educational settings reporting cases of scarlet fever.

Parents and carers are asked to be aware of the symptoms so that early treatment with antibiotics can be given.

Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that mainly affects children under 10 but people of any age can get it.

Initial symptoms include a sore throat, headache, high temperature, flushed cheeks and a swollen tongue. It is followed by a distinctive pink/red rash a day or two later.

Colin Cox, Director of Public Health at Cumbria County Council said: “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 proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

“Due to the contagious nature of scarlet fever, if you or your child has the illness, please stay at home for at least 24 hours after starting treatment with antibiotics.”

The UK Health Security Agency confirmed there had been a number of scarlet fever cases reported across the North West in a range of settings including nurseries and schools.

Dr Janey Otunnu-Kenyon, consultant in health protection, UKHSA NW said: “It’s not uncommon to see a rise in cases of scarlet fever at this time of year and we are continuing to monitor rates of infection across the North West.

“Scarlet fever is highly contagious but not usually serious and is easily treatable with antibiotics to reduce the risk of complications and spread to others.

"It is important to take antibiotics, as instructed by your GP, to minimise the risk of complications.

“The UKHSA reminds parents to be aware of the symptoms of scarlet fever and to call their GP or NHS 111 for further advice or assessment if they think their child might have it.

“To limit the spread of scarlet fever it is important to practice 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. People should also stay away from nursery, school or work for 24 hours after taking the 1st dose of antibiotics.”

For further information about scarlet fever, you can visit the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet-fever/

UKHSA blog for parents: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2022/10/25/5-ways-to-protect-your-under-5s-this-winter/

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