England is facing an outbreak of scarlet fever, public health officials have warned.
The numbers of cases reported are above normal levels and follow a year – 2014 – which saw the largest number of cases in nearly 50 years.
In the first week of February some 300 cases were reported, according to Public Health England.
Last year there were more than 14,000 cases reported.
The disease is caused by the streptococcus bacteria and before the development of antibiotics was widely feared.
Dr Theresa Lamagni, from Public Health England, set out what patients and their families should expect from the disease.
She said: “The first symptoms of scarlet fever include a sore throat and fever which may be accompanied by a headache, nausea and vomiting. Between 12 to 48 hours after this, a characteristic fine, sandpapery rash develops, often appearing first on the chest or stomach. Cases are more common in children although adults of all ages can also develop scarlet fever.
"Individuals who think they or their child may have scarlet fever should consult their GP. Symptoms usually clear up after a week and in the majority of cases remain reasonably mild providing a course of antibiotics is completed to reduce the risk of complications. As scarlet fever is highly contagious, 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 passing on the infection.
"For families and friends caring for someone with scarlet fever, the risk of spread can be reduced through frequent hand washing and ensuring clothes, bedding, towels and cutlery are not shared between members of the household."
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