Scarlet fever on the rise in Lincolnshire

Six cases of scarlet fever were reported in Lincolnshire last week.

Government figures show there have been 419 cases nationwide in the week ending on November 24 – six of these being in our county.

These include one reported case each in Boston, Lincoln, North and South Kesteven, South Holland and West Lindsey. The only area yet to have a reported case is East Lindsey.

Scarlet fever is a contagious infection which mostly affects young children. Those affected usually display flu-like symptoms such as a sore throat, high temperature and swollen neck glands.

A rash may also appear and there is often also a white coating on the tongue.

It can be treated by antibiotics. These can be prescribed by your GP and this means the disease is less likely to be passed onto someone else.

You can relieve symptoms of scarlet fever by:

• drinking cool fluids
• eating soft foods to ease a sore throat
• taking painkillers like paracetamol to bring down a temperature (don’t give aspirin to children under 16)
• using calamine lotion or antihistamine tablets to stop itching

Scarlet fever lasts for around a week.

You’re infectious from up to seven days before the symptoms start and until:

• 24 hours after you take the first antibiotic tablet
• Two weeks after symptoms start, if you don’t take antibiotics

It was in the past it was dangerous but now it can be treated very easily.

Cases have, however, increased in recent years according to Public Health England.

Complications are rare but can include:

• ear infection
• throat abscess
• sinusitis
• pneumonia
• meningitis
• rheumatic fever