The UK Health Security Agency has issued a warning to parents and carers following a rise in scarlet fever across the UK.

The UKHSA is reminding people of the symptoms to look out for amid the rise in cases but stressed levels of infections are in line with what is expected at this time of year.

However, the agency warned that there has been an increase compared to 2021 when measures during the pandemic such as social distancing, enhanced hygiene and school and nursery closures kept cases below average.

Can adults catch scarlet fever?

Anybody can catch scarlet fever although it is more common in children than adults, with the infection most common in children aged 5 to 15 years old.

Scarlet fever is caused by a bacteria called group A streptococcus and can complicate other skin infections such as chickenpox, when both infections are circulating, as is currently the case.

A total of 3,488 notifications of scarlet fever were reported between September 2021 and March 2022 in England compared to an average of 8,605 for this same period in the previous 5 years.

Scarlet fever symptoms

Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, but it is highly infectious, so UKHSA is advising parents to be on the lookout for symptoms, which include a sore throat, headache and fever with a characteristic fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel.

What to do if you suspect scarlet fever

If signs of scarlet fever are suspected, it is important to contact your local GP or NHS 111. Early treatment of scarlet fever with antibiotics is important as it helps reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia and the spread of the infection to others.

Children or adults diagnosed with scarlet fever are advised to stay at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others. 

UKHSA issue reminder to parents as scarlet fever infections rise

Dominic Mellon, Deputy Director of Health Protection at UKHSA South West said: “It’s not uncommon to see a rise in cases of scarlet fever at this time of year and we are continuing to monitor rates of infection. Scarlet fever is highly contagious but not usually serious and is easily treatable with antibiotics. It is important to take antibiotics, if prescribed by a GP, to minimise the risk of complications and spread to others.”

He continued: “We are reminding parents and carers to be aware of the symptoms of scarlet fever and to call their GP or NHS 111 for further advice or assessment if they think their child might have it. Symptoms to look out for include a fever, sore throat and a pinkish-red rash with sandpapery feel.

“To limit the spread of scarlet fever it is important to practice good hygiene by washing hands with warm water and soap, not sharing drinking glasses or utensils, and covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.”