Warning to parents after increase in scarlet fever cases
To help prevent the spread of scarlet fever, which most commonly occurs in children aged between two and eight, public health officials are advising parents to take children with suspected symptoms to their GP.
The first symptoms often include a sore throat, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. After 12 to 48 hours a fine red rash develops which feels like sandpaper to touch.
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Hide AdThe rash usually appears on the chest and stomach before rapidly spreading to other parts of the body. On darker skin it can be harder to spot, although the skin will still feel like sandpaper.
Parents can also get free advice about scarlet fever from the NHS 111 line or at www.hpa.org.uk.