Scarlet fever looks to be on the increase in the West Midlands, health chiefs have revealed.

Cases of the highly-infectious disease reached 50 between December and February – almost double the figure from the previous year.

Scarlet fever, which struck down thousands of people in the 19th century, is caused by a bacterial infection that causes a sore throat and a red rash.

Anyone can catch it but it is most common among children. Health experts say the rise could be linked to the severe flu which swept the country throughout winter.

Dr Ishraga Awad, regional epidemiologist at the Health Protection Agency in the West Midlands, said: “Our notifications of scarlet fever have risen.

“Between the end of December 2008 up to February 13, 2009, we have had 50 notifications of scarlet fever, which is higher than the same periods in 2008 and 2007.

“It is important to note that these are only notifications and not confirmed cases.

“The number of confirmed cases may be lower and the real picture may be different.”