New data has revealed that the Isle of Wight has the highest number of cases of scarlet fever in the country.
In the week to 4th December, there were a total of 1,131 cases of scarlet fever in England and Wales, of which 32 (2.82%) were on the Isle of Wight – a rise of 10 from the week before. This is significantly higher than most other places in the country where cases are in single digits.
The first local case was confirmed back on 9th October, but cases have increased four-fold in the past 2 weeks alone.
A total of 9 deaths among children have been recorded nationally, the closest being in Waterlooville. No deaths have occurred on the Isle of Wight.
Parents are being urged to be on the lookout for symptoms and seek medical advice if they suspect their child has a Strep A infection, with the Isle of Wight NHS Trust confirming yesterday that cases are high locally.
The NHS says it is important that children with scarlet fever are seen by their GP so that they can be started on antibiotics. It is also important they are kept at home for 24 hours after the start of the antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection.
Simon Bryant, director of Public Health, has said:
“While scarlet fever can be concerning, it is still usually a mild illness from which most children will recover without complications, especially if the condition is properly treated with antibiotics.
Article continues below this advertisement “In very rare cases, this bacterium can get into the bloodstream and cause serious illness – called invasive Group A strep (iGAS). This is still uncommon; but it is important that parents are on the lookout for symptoms and see a doctor as quickly as possible so that their child can be treated and we can stop the infection becoming serious.
“Make sure you talk to a health professional if your child is getting worse after a bout of scarlet fever, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection.
“In collaboration with the UKHSA, we continue to monitor the situation on the Island and will provide, whenever and wherever required, appropriate advice, guidance and information to local settings and communities.”
What to look out for…
The rash of scarlet fever often begins with small spots on the body that then spread to the neck, arms and legs. It is often ‘sand-paper’ like to touch but is not itchy. Children may also have a store throat or tonsillitis, a fever, painful and swollen glands in the neck and a red tongue.
The infection is spread by physical contact or through droplets from sneezing or coughing.
Cases are known to have been confirmed at Summerfields Primary School in Newport and at Ryde School.
What is the cause…
It is thought that a lack of mingling among children during the COVID lockdowns – and therefore a lack of exposure to bacteria – has led to the outbreak developing.
The last outbreak was between 2017-2018, when 4 children died in the same period.
What is Scarlet Fever?
Scarlet fever – which is caused by Group A Strep bacteria – is much more common in children than in adults, but can be equally as devastating for both age groups. Strep A usually only causes a mild sore throat and temperature, but it can be life-threatening.
Rife??? 22 cases!!! I don’t know how we managed in the 50s,60s, 70s ……
Simple,..
In the 50s, 60s, 70s children spent their time playing outside & had much better immune systems as a result, compared to today’s kids (especially following 2 years of lockdowns) who mostly spend their time indoors playing computer games, or wasting their lives on social media !
(almost as bad as the adults who spend their lives posting inane comments on IE, instead of working )
Back then, if you got sick, you had a day in bed with some lucozade & were back out playing next day (mainly ‘cos being indoors was so boring, cos there was f’all to do )
Yes, I agree, that sounds just like my childhood…
Don’t know where you live but near me the kids are always out and about. And in the 70’s the kids got ill just died.
Highly contagious. Adults can also get Scarlett Fever apparently.
£500 says this’ll be the new reason for lockdowns.
That or M-POX23
It is so sad that not very many people wash their hands anymore. Many times, there is cleaner at front of shops, but people just walk right past, not bothering to be clean. People that do no care about others..
It even says in the article, if you read it, that the outbreak is probably because we DON’T get exposed to enough bacteria these days. The constant hand washing that you are advocating is partially to blame. It’s not healthy to be too clean, we need exposure to a range of bacteria etc so that we build up an immunity to them. I’m not saying we all need to walk around dirty but we certainly don’t need to be washing our hands as we enter and leave every shop, restaurant, bar etc.
and if you use the logic of people like smiffy and timms, then 32 cases is only .02% of the islands population – so nothing to worry about and is insignificant.
the media are doing their very best to scare people, probably on behalf of the state.
bear in mind – in 2018 there were over 30,000 cases in england and wales of scarlett fever, yet there wasn’t the knee jerk panic reactions we are seeing now, because of the media
The mainstream media are the mouthpiece of the big state, we are all brain-washed by it, exposure to bacteria is the best defense, it was when I was a kid in the 60s……now we have become too clinical and paranoid..
No not all are brainwashed
I take not a bit of notice what anyone says. I think for my self.
If you take no notice of what is said (or, presumably, written) by others, how do you get your information and news?
No there nothing to worry about but this is only to make parents aware so they can look for symptoms so why everyone is making stupid comments I don’t know and one saying kids just spent time on computer’s and the parents posting on line isn’t that what there doing on here
There is no question that kids spend more time indoors playing games etc & less time out side than they did in the 60s, & 70s,…
and probably have less active immune systems as a result, and are therefore more susceptible to things like this Strep infection
and as for “and the parents posting on line isn’t that what there doing on here”
(I actually said “almost as bad as the adults who spend their lives posting inane comments on IE, instead of working”)
Yes!,.. it’s called irony lol
More evidence, if it were even needed, that you should have to have an iq of 120 minimum before you’re allowed to vote
Be scared…be very scared! It’s going cold too…OMG it’s winter! Amber warning issued.
To be fair more people die in cold than heat.
In the 60s we kids were exposed to everything, and our immune system delt with it, it’s call living with nature…
Now in 2000s we have made big companies very rich because we have become too Clinical and paranoid, by advertising products that we are brain-washed into buying…now we will pay the real price..
Or all the ‘Anti Bacterial’ sprays and things, was always told a bit of dirt won’t hurt you, get on with it.
Educate yourself: Life expectancy 1960 ~ 70, 2020 ~ 81
Are you talking about all the dodgy additives they put into our food, that’s coursing cancer, expecially bowl cancer….even farming is affected by dodgy drug’s…
Only thanks to abundant cheap energy and modern medicines.Pharmaceuticals.Life span longer but not necessilary health span.
Obesity, diabeteies ,cancer, auto immune disease. going through the roof.
Also smoking reduced these days so big difference.
Our diet is a lit more carb, veg oil, sugar and additive laden .Frankenstien foods that suppress immune system.
Let’s hope the Pharmacies on the Island actually stock enough Paediatric antibiotics but don’t hold your breath !
Have to get to a GP first. Hope the surgeries are prepared for additional demand.
Nothing to do with the jabs, that children didn’t need, affecting their immune systems?
And just after all the kids have had the nasal flu jab which lists scarlet fever as one of the many side effects
“which lists scarlet fever as one of the many side effects”
No it doesn’t !!
Stop spreading false information !
the listed most common side effects are:
Less common side effects include a slightly raised temperature
Nothing about Scarlet Fever !
Please get your information right before posting it !
Ever since the rollout of the vax
No. Ever since the isolation of lockdowns. The bugs and viruses still evolved at their usual rapid rate whilst we all locked ourselves away and isolated. So, we didn’t keep up with their evolutionary progress… Voila!
Oh dear Jason, a chance to voice your conspiracy theory as so far none have come true !!
Better get on with that 5th booster and collapse for no reason, mate
So dumb its unbelievable. Anyway,make sure you get your latest shot,theres a good boy.
Oh dear,. you’re not still deluded about that are you ??
ha – do some research orac – more vaccinated in hospital than unvaccinated – more people suffering unexplained conditions, who were healthy before the jab and some dropping dead not long after a jab –
I blame use of face masks. We need bacteria in our systems to fight disease.
Looking at island pond life they look riddled with all sorts of illness. Not very healthy specimens and generally feeble life stock that is not helped by poor lifestyle habits. Natural selection usually keeps things in check. Nothing to see here, please move along.
Ive been in St Mary’s with my 2 year old daughter since Saturday as she has a lower respiratory tract group A Strep infection.
She was initially diagnosed with tonsillitis early last week but doctor swabbed her for Strep anyway. She didn’t get any better by Saturday so NHS helpline said to take her to A&E.
She is now off of IV antibiotics/fluids and she may be fully off oxygen support tonight.
All the staff here have been amazing! From the huge team they mobilised within minutes of being triaged in the Children’s A&E department (a positive Strep A result wasn’t known at that point), to each and every member of staff who has looked after us in the children’s ward.
Thank you everyone!