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Scarlet fever cases rocket in West Midlands over last year

The number of cases of scarlet fever has rocketed in the West Midlands, health experts warned today.

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There have been 255 reported cases of the infection so far this year in the region, compared to 98 this time last year.

Nationally, cases are at the highest levels for more than 30 years reaching 4,157.

Bosses at Public Health England (PHE) are looking into possible reasons for the rise. They said that figures showed that cases tended to spike around every four years, although it is not known why.

In Wolverhampton there have been 57 cases, compared to just four this time last year. Meanwhile in Dudley there have been 16 cases compared to eight, nine in Sandwell compared to four, 50 in Staffordshire compared to 10 and 16 in Walsall compared to six.

Mark Sutton, Staffordshire County Council cabinet boss for public health, said: "The council's public health team is working closely with regional colleagues to see if there is a reason for the increase, particularly in East Staffordshire and in the meantime it is sensible to see your GP if you think your child may have symptoms."

Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that causes a distinctive pink-red rash.

It is mainly a childhood disease and is most common between the ages of two and eight. The characteristic symptom of scarlet fever is a widespread rash that feels like sandpaper to touch. Other symptoms include a high temperature, a flushed face and a red, swollen tongue.

Whilst most cases of scarlet fever are mild and can be treated with antibiotics, it can lead to complications in some children.

Dr Theresa Lamagni, PHE's head of streptococcal infection surveillance, said: "PHE urges people with symptoms of scarlet fever, which include a sore throat, headache and fever, to consult their GP."

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