Public Health England says there have been 868 notified cases in the first eight weeks of 2014, compared to 591 in the same period in 2013. This figure is at its highest for this time of year since 1990. The bacterial illness causes a distinctive rash, high temperature and sore throat as well as a white coating on the tongue. Cases are more common in children although adults can also develop scarlet fever. Although most cases of scarlet fever go away in about a week without treatment, treatment is recommended. This is because treatment reduces the length of time you are contagious, speeds up recovery and reduces the risk of complications from scarlet fever. There's no evidence that catching scarlet fever when pregnant will put your baby at risk. However, heavily pregnant women should tell healthcare staff if they have been in contact with someone who has scarlet fever.
Resurgence of scarlet fever reaches 24-year high 10th March 2014 bbc.co.uk
Read about Scarlet Fever on the NHS website
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