Keep a look out for scarlet fever

Council urges parents to look out for scarlet fever

Cheshire East Council is urging parents to know how to spot the signs of scarlet fever.

It follows a rise in cases being seen by doctors across the North West region.

The symptoms of scarlet fever are a fine pinkish or red rash that feels similar to sandpaper -- in conjunction with a sore throat, headache and fever. If your child has these symptoms it is recommended that you see your GP or call NHS 111.

Scarlet fever is one of the diseases that usually spreads at this time of year -- but a higher number of cases than expected have been seen so far in 2018. It mostly affects the under-10s and is less common in teenagers and adults.

Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness but it spreads from person to person very easily and, if untreated, can have some more severe complications. It is diagnosed by a GP and treated with antibiotics.

The spread from person to person can be slowed down or stopped by thorough hand washing and by keeping children off school for at least 24 hours after their GP has started them on antibiotics and until the child is well enough to go back.

It is best for antibiotics to be started early so that complications, such as pneumonia, can be avoided and to stop the illness from spreading.

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