Uk health chiefs send warning as victorian disease cases soar in kids

Scarlet fever is an infectious disease caused by group A streptococcus bacteria that mostly affects children aged 5–15 and can be easily treated by antibiotics. The first signs of the

conditions are often flu-like in nature, including a high temperature, sore throat and swollen neck glands. This is followed within 12–48 hours by a rash that starts on the chest and stomach

area before spreading, leaving the skin feeling rough like sandpaper. The rash results from a substance produced by the bacteria known as the erythrogenic toxin. A white coating may also

appear on the tongue at first, before peeling, leaving the tongue red, swollen and covered in little bumps — this is called strawberry tongue. Long term complications of the infection can

include arthritis, kidney disease and rheumatic heart disease. Scarlet fever is very easily spread, usually by coughing and sneezing, but also by picking up the bacteria on one’s hands and

then touching the mouth or nose. In the late 19th century, scarlet fever was a leading cause of child mortality — killing as many as a third of those infected — with epidemics occurring

cyclically in urban areas. While the disease is significantly less dangerous under modern medicine, outbreaks have previously been recorded in Hong Kong in 2011 and the UK in 2014 — with

some strains showing worrying signs of antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, researchers have found that infection of the bacterium with three viruses has had the regrettable effect of

producing stronger strains of streptococcus. According to the UKHSA, the current rise in cases is not unprecedented for this time of year — but are much higher than last year, likely as a

result of the disease being suppressed by public health measures brought in to combat COVID-19. In the northwest of England, where case numbers have been the highest, a total of 914

infections were recorded between last September and March this year. READ MORE: WHO WARNS ONE IN THREE KIDS IN EUROPE NOW OVERWEIGHT OR OBESE Individuals with scarlet fever can relieve their

symptoms by drinking cool liquids, using calamine lotion of antihistamine tablets to ease itching and taking painkillers like paracetamol to bring down the high temperature. Those with sore

throats are also encouraged to eat soft foods. Individuals can help protect themselves and others from scarlet fever by washing their hands often with soap and water, using tissues when

coughing or sneezing — and disposing of them as quickly as possible. People should also avoid sharing cutlery, cups, towels, bedding and baths with anyone with suspected symptoms of scarlet

fever. More information on scarlet fever can be found on the NHS website.