Alert as scarlet fever spreads

Parents are being warned to keep an eye open for the symptoms of scarlet fever as the number of cases continue to grow across the county.

Further information has been issued by Lincolnshire County Council’s public health team after advice was issued earlier in the week to schools and nurseries about scarlet fever as the spread of the childhood disease has continued into the spring.

Although the bacterial infection can be highly infectious, it can be treated with antibiotics.

Schools and parents are therefore being reminded to watch for signs and symptoms.

Parents should contact their GP if symptoms are present and keep children showing symptoms at home for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment.

Liz Morgan, assistant director for public health at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Public Health England has reported that local statistics have mirrored regional and national ones, with more cases reported than last year, so we’re taking the common sense measure of reminding schools and nurseries of how to identify scarlet fever and what to do if a case is suspected.

“As scarlet fever is particularly contagious, it’s always best for parents to contact their GP if they think their child has the symptoms.

“In the majority of mild cases, scarlet fever will clear up by itself but antibiotics reduce symptoms, the risk of complications and of passing the infection on to someone else.”