Scarlet fever cases in UK more than double previous estimate

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The number of recorded scarlet fever cases in the autumn and winter season in the UK have more than doubled because of newly confirmed infections, according the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Officials say that because of the scale of infections since November, another 9,945 had been added to those registered between 12 September and 11 December.

The extra recorded infections mean the number of confirmed cases for the period, 17,695, is 128% higher than previously thought. These are only infections that have been confirmed via a test carried out by doctors. This is significantly higher than the 2,538 at the same point in 2017 and 2018, the last time figures were comparatively as high.

The UKHSA said that a week later, between 11 December and 18 December, another 9,482 scarlet fever infections were then reported to the agency, bringing them to 27,177.

It means the total is now higher than the whole of 2017 and 2018, with another two weeks’ worth of reports to be published by the government.

The UKHSA said that because of the rise in cases “notifications of cases of scarlet fever are taking longer to appear in our published data after being processed”.

A total of 16 children aged under 18 have died from invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS), otherwise known as strep A.

The bacteria causes scarlet fever, which can then develop into the more serious invasive infection.

Scarlet fever can cause flu-like symptoms, including a high temperature, a sore throat and swollen neck glands, which may appear as a large lump on the side of the neck.

A rash then appears between 12 and 48 hours later.

Parents are advised to contact 111 or a GP surgery if a child has symptoms. They can also include nausea and vomiting.

New serious shortage protocols were issued to pharmacists last week in an attempt to help those experiencing supply issues with penicillin.

Chemists had widely reported problems getting hold of liquid penicillin and amoxycillin due to the increase in demand. The antibiotics are often prescribed for children who have scarlet fever or strep A. People in the industry have also reported rising prices.

Pharmacists are now able to prescribe an alternative antibiotic or formulation of penicillin, such as tablets.