Warning over 50-year high for scarlet fever cases

New research has shown that more than 17,000 cases of scarlet fever were reported in 2016, marking its highest level in England for 50 years.

Experts have been unable to find a reason for the recent increase, so doctors are warning the public to be aware of symptoms and seek help from their GP.

Incidence of scarlet fever tripled between 2013 and 2014, rising from 4,700 cases to 15,637 cases. Last year, there were 19,206 reported cases, the highest level since 1967, with the majority of the outbreaks were in England.

The bacterial disease, which usually shows via a rosy rash, is highly contagious but is usually treated with antibiotics. It is most common among children under 10.

The research was printed in the Lancet.

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This story was first published in digitalhealth.net

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