What is scarlet fever, a disease that has claimed the lives of six children, has left the UK on alert

The UKHSA (United Kingdom Health Security Agency) issued an alert on Friday (2) in light of the increase in infections caused by group A streptococcus bacteria. Six children under the age of 10 have died in recent days.

One of the diseases caused by this bacterium is scarlet fever, and it is precisely the disease that has been the subject of concern for the British health authorities.

In a note, the UKHSA reported that there had already been a ‘larger-than-expected’ increase in scarlet fever cases in the summer, which ended in September, and that the level remained high, with 4,622 notified in ten weeks.

The agency notes that the figure is 257% higher than the average for the same period of the past five years.

“Given the potential for serious presentations in children, it remains important that cases of scarlet fever be promptly treated with antibiotics to limit spread and reduce the risk of potential complications in cases and their close contacts. Potential increases in invasive disease and to maintain a high degree of clinical suspicion when evaluating patients,” Especially those with a previous viral infection (including chickenpox) or close contact with scarlet fever,” the statement reads.

Scarlet fever is manifested by skin lesions that begin on the face and then spread to the rest of the body.

“The rash is worse in skin folds, such as the folds between the legs and the torso. As the rash recedes, the skin peels. Red bumps appear on the tongue, which is covered with a yellowish-white film. The rash is worse. Then the film peels off, and the tongue appears red ( A tongue that looks like a raspberry), ”describes the MSD Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines.

Medical evidence also indicates that although the disease is uncommon today, outbreaks still occur.

“Is he there [escarlatina] They tend to spread when people are in close contact with each other – for example, in schools or kindergartens. Scarlet fever occurs mainly in children, usually after a sore throat but sometimes after a streptococcal skin infection.”

Scarlet fever is a disease caused by group A streptococcus bacteria, and is spread through secretions (droplets from coughing and sneezing) or through contact with cuts and sores on the skin of an infected person.

The scarlet fever outbreak comes amid a general increase in reports of invasive group A streptococcal disease.

“In children under 10 years of age, the incidence of iGAS was higher than the levels reported in the years prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, but much higher than in the previous two years. Investigations are still ongoing after reports of an increase in gas infections Lower respiratory tract, especially empyema [bactérias na cavidade pleural]in children in recent weeks”, adds the UKHSA.