DOCTORS, parents and teachers in Gloucestershire are being warned to look out for signs of scarlet fever after a recent nationwide outbreak.
Last year more than 14,000 cases of the bacterial infection were reported in England making it the worst outbreak since the late 1960s.
The number of cases reported across the county in the last year has increased from 138 to 190, with six cases having been reported in Gloucester since September.
There has also been an increase in the number of reported cases in Cheltenham, the Forest of Dean and Stroud.
Increases in reports of scarlet fever are normal at this time of the year as we approach high season between March and April.
But the numbers of cases currently being reported are above what is typical and are causing concern.
Dr Theresa Lamagni, Public Health England's head of streptococcal infection surveillance, said: "As we enter into high season for scarlet fever, we ask GPs and other frontline medical staff to be mindful of the current high levels of scarlet fever activity when assessing patients.
"Prompt notification of cases to local health protection teams is critical to enable local monitoring and rapid response to outbreaks.
"Schools and nurseries should similarly be mindful of the current elevated levels of scarlet fever and promptly inform local health protection teams at an early stage if they become aware of cases, especially if more than one child is affected."
The first symptoms of scarlet fever include a sore throat and fever which may be accompanied by a headache, nausea and vomiting.
Between 12 to 48 hours after this, a widespread, fine pink-red rash, which feels like sandpaper when touched, will first appear on the chest or stomach.
Other symptoms include a high temperature, a flushed face and a red, swollen tongue.
Cases are more common in children although adults of all ages can also develop scarlet fever.
Individuals who think they or their child may have scarlet fever should contact their GP.
Symptoms usually clear up after a week and the majority of cases can be cleared up with antibiotics.
As scarlet fever is highly contagious, children or adults diagnosed with the condition are advised to stay at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid passing on the infection.
For families and friends caring for someone with scarlet fever, the risk of spread can be reduced through frequent hand washing and ensuring clothes, bedding, towels and cutlery are not shared between members of the household.
Public Health England teams are on hand to provide authoritative advice and rapid response where outbreaks are detected.
