Cases of scarlet fever have nearly doubled in the last year in England, according to new figures.
In the first week of March alone some 754 new cases were reported, according to Public Health England.
Some 5,746 cases have been reported over the winter compared with 2,833 over the same period a year ago.
The disease mainly affects children between the ages of two and eight.
The organisation said the reasons for the increase were "unclear."
It says rapid diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics is crucial to stemming the outbreak.
It also called on schools to step up levels of hand hygiene – and ensure people sneezed into tissues.
Its figures show the disease spread throughout England.
Dr Theresa Lamagni, from Public Health England, said: "Historically, seasons of high incidence have been preceded by seasons of intermediate incidence and it remains possible that we will exceed last year’s exceptional high level of activity.
"The reasons behind this increase are unclear but may reflect long-term natural cycles in disease incidence. Close monitoring, rapid and decisive response to potential outbreaks and early treatment of scarlet fever with antibiotics remains essential, especially given the potential complications associated with group A streptococcal infections."
Leave a Reply