There have been five confirmed cases of scarlet fever in Salford as the UK sees a dramatic rise in infections due to higher than usual levels of Strep A bacteria.
According to the UK Health Security Agency there were 861 confirmed cases of scarlet fever in the last week of November in England and Wales. This is significantly higher than the weekly average of 186. North-west England is the region which currently has the highest rate of infections.
The Salford Medical Centre has a guidance page for parents on how to keep your child safe as the Strep A related infection becomes an increasingly prevalent issue.
This guidance outlines the signs of infection including “flu-like symptoms, including a high temperature, a sore throat, and swollen neck glands.”
The Salford Medical Centre urged: “See a GP if you or your child have scarlet fever symptoms.”
The guidance also outlines other instances in which you should see a GP such as feeling unwell and have been in contact with someone who has scarlet fever.
The illness is treated with antibiotics. Sore throat symptoms can also be eased by eating soft foods.
The infection tends to last around a week, and if left untreated it can lead to severe further complications such as pneumonia.
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