A surge in cases of scarlet fever and Strep A is causing growing fear among families in the region.

Health bosses have urged parents to be vigilant and look out for signs of the condition in their children.

Confirmed cases of scarlet fever and Strep A - which are caused by the same bacteria - have passed pre-pandemic levels in recent weeks.

This has seen an increase in demand for primary care from families - putting additional strain on GP surgeries and walk-in centres as concerned parents seek medical attention for their children.

At the same time, Norfolk schools have been issued with advice on how to deal with cases.

While the vast majority of infections - which are most prevalent among children - are relatively mild, sometimes the bacteria causes an illness called invasive Group A Streptococcal disease, which can be life-threatening.

Across the UK, nine children have died due to complications from strep A bacterial infections since September.

Eastern Daily Press:

Tim Morton, GP partner of Beccles Medical Centre, said that while parents' concern was understandable, thus far the fear eclipsed the number of confirmed cases.

He said: "What we are noticing is an increase in parents querying rashes that for the most part turn out to be nothing sinister.

"I think what we are seeing more is an increase in anxiety.

"Parental intuition is a very influential factor in what is happening at the moment and I do not think it is unreasonable.

"Nobody knows your children like you and if do have worries then you are absolutely right to seek GP advice."

In the east of England, there have been 436 cases of scarlet fever reported in recent weeks - at a rate of 6.5 cases per 100,000 people.

In the same time period, Strep A was reported at a rate of 0.6 cases per 100,000 people - a total of 39 cases.

However, the Strep A rate has been slightly higher in children aged between one and four - a rate of 2.3 cases per 100,000 children in that age nationally.

This rate is more than double the pre-pandemic average rate of 0.5 cases per 100,000 children in this age group.

The increase has prompted health bosses to issue warnings about how to spot the condition - while education leaders have contacted schools to remind them of latest infection control advice.

A spokeswoman for Norfolk County Council said: "We have written to early years settings, schools, and academies to signpost them to the most up-to-date UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) advice and guidance on managing incidents of scarlet fever."

Among the schools to have contacted parents about suspected cases is Stoke Holy Cross Primary School.

In a letter, the school said "a small number of children had confirmed or suspected diagnoses of scarlet fever".

 

What are scarlet fever and Strep B?

Scarlet fever is an infection which is caused by a bacteria called group A streptococci.

It is usually a very mild illness, however, it is highly infectious.

It is most commonly found in young children, particularly those aged between one and four.

Its symptoms include:

  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • A fine, pinkish or red rash with a rough feel

The same bacteria can also lead to a condition called Strep A, which occurs when the bacteria finds its way into a person's bloodstream.

In extremely rare occasions, Strep A can be fatal in children.