Scarlet fever infections have sparked the NHS in Buckinghamshire to urge residents to take extra care. 

Eight people in the county contracted scarlet fever during the week ending December 4, the UK Health Security Agency's weekly infection data revealed.  

Three people in Aylesbury Vale had scarlet fever, one person in the Chiltern area, two in South Bucks and two people had contracted the disease in High Wycombe.

Although the Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust couldn’t comment on individual cases, the spokesperson said: “In colder weather lots of people get sore throats, colds and coughs, and most of these should get better without medical help.

“However, there are also some bacterial infections circulating which benefit from treatment with antibiotics. One of these infections is called scarlet fever and there is a higher than normal rate of this going around now.”

 “Scarlet fever is caused by a bacteria called Group A Strep which can cause breathing problems and skin infections. It’s usually a mild illness, but it can be easily passed between people, so making sure everyone washes their hands carefully and regularly is important to stop the spread.”

Signs to look out for include:

•a sore throat

•headache

•fever, along with a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a 'sandpapery' feel

 Contact NHS 111 or a GP if you think your child has scarlet fever, because early treatment with antibiotics will reduce the risk of health complications.

 If a child has scarlet fever, keep them at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatments to avoid spreading the infection to others. If the child seems seriously unwell, parents should trust their own judgement.

Parents should contact NHS 111 or a GP if:

•your child is getting worse

•your child is feeding or eating much less than normal

•your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration

•your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher

•your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty

•your child is very tired or irritable.

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

•your child has difficulty breathing: you may notice grunting noises, or their tummy sucking under their ribs

•there are pauses when your child breathes

•your child's skin, tongue or lips are blue (www.nhs.uk and search’ blue skin or lips’)

•your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake.

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