Map reveals scarlet fever hotspots as Strep A outbreak spreads and 9 children die
A SHOCKING map has revealed scarlet fever hotspots across England and Wales - as nine children die of invasive Strep A.
Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection, triggered by Group A Strep bacteria - in rare cases, the bacteria can reach the bloodstream and cause a fatal invasive disease.
The first symptoms of scarlet fever can appear similar to flu, and include a high temperature, sore throat and swollen neck glands as well as a rash that can feel like sandpaper.
The same bacteria can cause other, less serious conditions, including strep throat, tonsillitis, the skin infections impetigo and cellulitis.
But, as cases of Strep A have risen across the UK, so too have more serious cases of both scarlet fever and invasive Group A Strep disease.
The outbreak has so far claimed the lives of nine children - most aged under 10.
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Now, new data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) highlights the scale of the outbreak - with more than 1,100 scarlet fever cases recorded in the last week.
GPs don't have to report all cases of Strep A, because in most cases it is a mild illness.
But they do have to report scarlet fever - which can be serious if it's not treated swiftly - and invasive Group A Strep cases to UKHSA - so while these figures won't show the full number of cases, it gives a vital snapshot.
Seven-year-old Hanna Roap is among those youngsters who have lost their lives.
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What started as a mild cough rapidly deteriorated and she tragically died within 24-hours.
Meanwhile, another dad yesterday told how he took his five-year-old Stella-Lily McCorkindale to A&E three times before she died of Strep A.
And another mum has shared photos of her little boy to highlight how fast Strep A strikes after her little one was diagnosed with the illness, as well as scarlet fever and pneumonia.
SCARLET FEVER CASES SURGE
The UKHSA data from the Notification of Infectious Diseases report () shows there have been 1,131 cases of scarlet fever in the week ending December 4.
That's 126 per cent higher than the 500 cases seen during the first week in November - and 14 per cent higher than the 991 cases recorded in the week ending November 27.
The South East has been the hardest hit, with 189 cases with Surrey and Hampshire among those with the highest rates.
It's followed by the North West, where 182 positive tests have been reported, with high cases numbers in Cumbria and Merseyside.
Meanwhile, in the North East, there have been 59 cases in the week ending December 4, with the worst hit area being County Durham.
Yorkshire and the Humber has seen 66 cases, with the majority having been seen across West Yorkshire, which has detected 35.
The signs of Strep A and scarlet fever all parents need to know
There are four key signs of Group Strep A to watch out for, according to the NHS. These are:
- A fever (meaning a high temperature above 38°C)
- Severe muscle aches
- Localised muscle tenderness
- Redness at the site of a wound
The NHS says that when it comes to scarlet fever, your child will most likely start off with cold-like symptoms.
The signs will include:
- high temperature
- sore throat
- swollen neck glands
- rash 12-48 hours after initial symptoms. This usually starts on the tummy and then spreads
- white coating on the tongue
- red cheeks
The East Midlands reported 122 infections, with Nottinghamshire and Northamptonshire having seen the biggest case loads.
In the West Midlands, 69 infections were reported, with the East of England having also reported 150.
London recorded 156 cases with Bromley and Bexley having the most infections.
The South West reported just three cases in the unitary authorities of North Somerset and Bristol City.
Meanwhile, Wales has seen 134 cases of the bug, with Cardiff having seen 14 of these.
BE AWARE
Speaking during Prime Minister's questions today, Rishi Sunak said the NHS are working hard to make sure parents are aware of the symptoms they need to be on the lookout for.
He added that the illness can be treated with antibiotics and that people should be reassured that this is not a new strain of Strep A.
"There is no reason to believe that it has become more lethal and more resistant to antibiotics, so the most important thing for parents to do is look out for the symptoms and get the treatment that is available for them," he added.
The report shows that there have been just ten cases of invasive Strep A, which can lead to issues such as necrotising fasciitis (a deep tissue infection with tissue destruction requiring surgery) or cellulitis (an infection causing redness of the skin).
GP Dr Rachel Ward, of Woodlands Medical Centre, Didcot, explained: "Most commonly Strep A infections cause throat infections – causing sore throat with fever, or skin infections.
"It also causes scarlet fever where fever and sore throat is accompanied by a rough rash on the body, strawberry looking tongue and red cheeks.
"In more serious invasive infections, people will experience fever, severe aches and possibly muscle tenderness in one area with skin changes.
"There can also be unexplained vomiting and diarrhoea. This is an emergency and you should seek medical help immediately."
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If you are worried about any of your child's symptoms then you should visit your GP or call 111.
In the event of an emergency, always call 999 or visit your closest A&E department.