Group A streptococcus (GAS) on Blood Agar |
Following
the Public Health England (PHE)
warning on the rise in cases of scarlet fever in England, they have reported a
continued increase in cases of scarlet fever across England with 1319 new cases
between 21 to 27 March. This is the highest weekly total recorded in recent
decades (data available from 1982 onwards). Since the season began in September
2015, there have been a total of 10,570 reported cases of scarlet fever. Scarlet
fever is a seasonal illness which should be treated with antibiotics and cases
of the illness usually peak at this time of year.
An
increase in invasive disease caused by the same bacterium Group A streptococcus
(GAS)
which causes scarlet fever has also been seen in England. A total of 593 cases
of invasive Group
A streptococcus infection, such
and bloodstream infection or pneumonia, have been notified so far for 2016
compared to 440 cases for the same period last year (January to March). Group A
streptococcus seasonal activity this
year coincides with the seasonal influenza activity owing to the late flu season.
Influenza and invasive Group
A streptococcus co-infection is a
rare but well-recognised occurrence. Whilst the elderly remain most at risk of
invasive Group
A streptococcus infection,
increased levels of disease compared to last year have been seen in young
adults and children less than 5 years old, the age groups most affected by
influenza in recent weeks. There’s no suggestion of an increase in invasive Group
A streptococcus infection in
patients diagnosed with scarlet fever.
This
is the third season in a row in which elevated scarlet fever activity has been
noted. A total of 15,637 notifications were made in England and Wales in 2014,
rising to 17,590 in 2015. Weekly activity so far this season has been similar
or slightly above for that last year.
Group A streptococcus bacteria are spread by direct
person-to-person contact with an individual carrying the bacteria or indirectly
through contact with bacteria in the environment. The act of keeping wounds
clean and practising hand hygiene can decrease chances of catching a Group
A streptococcus infection.
Dr
Theresa Lamagni, PHE’s
head of streptococcal infection surveillance, said that while we hope that the
Easter school break will assist in slowing down transmission of the bacteria
causing scarlet fever, we cannot assume or rely on this being the case. As
such, our investigations and assessment of the impact of this extraordinary
rise in scarlet fever continue.
As
we reach peak season for scarlet fever, health practitioners should be
particular mindful of the current high levels of scarlet fever when assessing
patients. Close monitoring, rapid and decisive response to potential outbreaks
and early treatment of scarlet fever with an appropriate antibiotic remains
essential, especially given the potential complications associated with Group A
streptococcal infections. PHE strongly urges people with
symptoms of scarlet fever, which include a sore throat, headache and fever
accompanied by a characteristic rash, to consult their GP. Scarlet fever should
be treated with antibiotics to reduce risk of complications. Once children or adults are diagnosed with scarlet fever we
strongly advise them to stay at home until at least 24 hours after the start of
antibiotic treatment to avoid passing on the infection.
Scarlet
fever is mainly a childhood disease and is most common between the ages of 2
and 8 years. It was once a very dangerous infection, but has now become much
less serious, thanks to the use of antibiotics. There is currently no vaccine
for scarlet fever.
Below
is the PHE regional breakdowns for scarlet fever seasonal activity in England
between September and March (for 2014 to 2015, and 2015 to 2016; weeks 37 to
13)
Scarlet Fever Notifications
|
2014 – 2015 (weeks 37 – 13
|
2015 – 2016 (weeks 37 - 13)
|
Area name
|
Total
|
Total
|
Anglia and Essex
|
458
|
689
|
Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire
|
447
|
532
|
Cheshire and Merseyside
|
487
|
671
|
Cumbria and Lancashire
|
464
|
390
|
Devon, Cornwall and Somerset
|
262
|
365
|
East Midlands
|
1077
|
972
|
Greater Manchester
|
502
|
402
|
Kent Surrey and Sussex
|
680
|
814
|
London
|
876
|
1006
|
North East
|
536
|
667
|
South Midlands and
Hertfordshire
|
386
|
502
|
Thames Valley
|
411
|
489
|
Wessex
|
587
|
711
|
West Midlands
|
766
|
999
|
Yorkshire and Humber
|
1440
|
1361
|
Grand Total
|
9379
|
10,570
|
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