Scarlet fever: This is how many cases of the highly contagious infection caused by the Strep A bacteria have been reported in Lancashire

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There have been 17 new cases of scarlet fever reported in Lancashire in the last week, compared to 25 cases reported the week before.

Scarlet fever is a highly contagious infection caused by the Strep A bacteria. Symptoms include a sandpapery skin rash and a white coating on the tongue.

It used to be a very serious infection, but thanks to antibiotics most cases these days are mild and easily treated.

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However, in very rare occasions, the bacteria that causes scarlet fever - Strep A - can get into the bloodstream and cause a potentially deadly infection called invasive Group A Strep (iGAS). Parents are urged to seek medical advice if their child is getting worse, has a fever, is eating much less than normal or is very tired or irritable.

Red rash on the hands of the palms of the child, rubella scarlet fever Coxsackie and other infectious viral diseases in children and adultsRed rash on the hands of the palms of the child, rubella scarlet fever Coxsackie and other infectious viral diseases in children and adults
Red rash on the hands of the palms of the child, rubella scarlet fever Coxsackie and other infectious viral diseases in children and adults

In England and Wales, the UK Health Security Agency publishes the number of scarlet fever cases reported in every local authority area.

Figures for the most recent week, up to December 11, show County Durham had the most cases that week, at 101. This was followed by Cardiff, with 100 cases.

Across the North West cases have fallen by 86% week-on-week.

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How many cases of scarlet fever have been reported in Lancashire?

Tongue of a child with scarlet fever - strawberry tongue.Tongue of a child with scarlet fever - strawberry tongue.
Tongue of a child with scarlet fever - strawberry tongue.

In Lancashire, 10 local authorities had cases reported to the week ending December 11, 2022.

Here is the number of scarlet fever cases reported, to the week ending Dec 11 (compared to the week ending Dec 4), in each Lancashire authority:

Blackburn with Darwen – 0 cases (2 cases were reported in the week to Dec 4)

Blackpool – 0 cases (4 cases were reported in the week to Dec 4)

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Burnley – 1 case (0 cases was reported in the week to Dec 4)

Chorley – 0 cases (0 cases were reported in the week to Dec 4)

Fylde – 1 case (0 cases were reported in the week to Dec 4)

Hyndburn – 3 cases (0 cases were reported in the week to Dec 4)

Lancaster – 3 cases (8 cases were reported in the week to Dec 4)

Pendle – 3 case (1 case was reported in the week to Dec 4)

Preston – 1 case (1 case was reported in the week to Dec 4)

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Ribble Valley – 1 case (1 case was reported in the week to Dec 4)

Rossendale – 1 case (3 cases was reported in the week to Dec 4)

South Ribble – 1 case (1 case was reported in the week to Dec 4)

West Lancashire – 0 cases (4 cases were reported in the week to Dec 4)

Wyre – 2 cases (0 cases were reported in the week to Dec 4)

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Why has there been an increase in scarlet fever cases this year?

Rates of scarlet fever are above average this year, but are not at record highs. 2018 saw particularly high levels, with nearly 32,000 cases reported across England and Wales that year.

So far this year, just over 23,000 cases have been reported to the authorities. The same period in 2018 saw 30,600 reports.

Scarlet fever rates dipped considerably during the coronavirus pandemic, due to social distancing restrictions and increased hygiene precautions such as handwashing.

What has the Government said:

Dr Colin Brown, deputy director of the UK Health Security Agency said: “We are seeing a higher number of cases of Group A strep this year than usual. The bacteria usually causes a mild infection producing sore throats or scarlet fever that can be easily treated with antibiotics. In very rare circumstances, this bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause serious illness – called invasive Group A strep (iGAS).

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“This is still uncommon; however, it is important that parents are on the lookout for symptoms and see a doctor as quickly as possible so that their child can be treated and we can stop the infection becoming serious.

“Make sure you talk to a health professional if your child is showing signs of deteriorating after a bout of scarlet fever, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection.”

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