What are the symptoms of scarlet fever and is it contagious?
Scarlet fever is a childhood illness that some might associate with the past, but it remains fairly common in the UK. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cases. Here, we answer the most common questions about scarlet fever, what to look out for and how to reduce its spread.
Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection, primarily affecting children, that presents with a distinctive rash, fever, and sore throat. Caused by Group A streptococcus bacteria, it can spread easily through close contact or respiratory droplets. The hallmark of scarlet fever is the sandpaper-like rash, which starts on the chest or stomach before spreading to other parts of the body.
Other symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, and a white coating on the tongue, which later peels to reveal a red, swollen tongue. Children under 10 are most vulnerable, with outbreaks often occurring in nurseries and schools. While scarlet fever typically resolves without complications, early antibiotic treatment is crucial to prevent potential issues like ear infections, sinusitis, or even invasive strep infections.
Pregnant individuals and close household contacts should seek medical advice if symptoms arise. Preventing the spread involves practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, using tissues for coughs and sneezes, and avoiding sharing personal items. Public health authorities monitor scarlet fever cases to identify outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations.
Written by urgent.news from UK Health Security Agency's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
