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Warning as cases of Victorian disease soar in UK – here are the symptoms to look out for

Brits have been warned that cases of Victorian disease are soaring in the UK - here are the symptoms you need to look out for.

Doctors have warned parents that cases of scarlet fever are higher than usual for this time of year, and so they need to be aware of the symptoms.

Scarlet fever is one of winter's childhood illnesses, and while it most commonly affects children under ten, the bacterial infection can be caught by anyone.

News of soaring cases comes after GP consultations of scarlet fever in England have been higher in 2022, compared to the past 2 years - and have remained elevated later in the season than expected.

The Government has warned that while this unusual pattern "may continue in the future", the current spike may be "a likely result of the withdrawal of measures implemented during the coronavirus pandemic to reduce transmission".

Parents and carers must be be aware that symptoms of scarlet fever are similar to that of flu-like ones - including a sore throat or rash, headache, high temperature, sickness and swollen glands in the neck. 

 

Scarlet fever symptoms on tongue - causing 'strawberry tongue'© Afag Azizova/Wikipedia

A distinctive rash can then appear around 12 to 48 hours later, which can spread from the chest and tummy. Doctors have added that parents also need to look out for small, raised bumps which will make skin feel rough and sandpaper-like to the touch.

On the tongue, a white coating may also appear, which can peel and result in a 'strawberry tongue' - where the tongue becomes red and swollen and covered in little bumps.

These symptoms, doctors have said, are the same for both children and adults.

Speaking about the rise in cases, Dr Chun Tang, GP and Medical Director at Pall Mall Medical, said: “It’s been relatively rare in the UK for the past few decades but cases have been rising.

“It’s a contagious disease and can make children feel rather poorly.”

While treatment is usually a ten-day course of antibiotics, Dr Naveen Puri, Associate Clinical Director at Bupa Health Clinics, who offer GP services to one to 18-year-olds, explained: “It is contagious and passed through coughing, sneezing or close contact, sharing bath towels, clothes, bed sheets or cutlery with the infected person.

“If your child has scarlet fever, keep them out of school and away from other people.” 

How to check if you or your child has scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is a contagious infection that can spread very easily, and mostly affects young children. While it is easily treated with antibiotics after a visit to the GP, it is important to always check with the surgery if you are ok to go in.

The NHS has said that the first signs of scarlet fever can be flu-like symptoms - including a high temperature - a sore throat and swollen neck glands, which look like a large lump on the side of the neck.

A rash can then appear 12 to 48 hours later, which looks like raised pink or red bumps on the chest and tummy, which then spread. The rash can also make the skin feel rough - like sandpaper.

A white coating can also appears on the tongue which can peel and leave the tongue in little bumps. Additionally, the cheeks can also look flushed or red in colour.

You should see your GP if:

Reference: Milica Cosic