text: Scarlet fever cases in North Lincolnshire hit highest level since the start of the year - Scunthorpe Telegraph
  Scarlet fever cases in North Lincolnshire hit highest level since the start of the year
  Fifteen cases of the illness were reported in the region in the week to March 25
  07:00, 30 MAR 2018
  Reports of scarlet fever in the Scunthorpe area hit their highest level since the start of the year last week.
  There were 15 cases reported in North Lincolnshire in the week to March 25 alone, the highest number in one week since the start of 2018.
  The number of reports to Public Health England (PHE) is up from no cases recorded in the same week in 2017, five in 2016 and three in 2015.
  Across England and Wales, there were 1,977 reports of scarlet fever in the week ending March 25, up from 1,805 the week before and more than double the 711 reported in the same week in 2017.
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  Earlier in February, Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: "Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that usually presents with a sore throat, fever, headaches, and a rosy rash that generally starts on a patient's chest.
  "It is very contagious disease and much more common in children under 10 than teenagers or adults, but it can be treated quickly and effectively with a full course of antibiotics and all GPs are trained to diagnose and treat it.
  A rash is one of the symptoms of scarlet fever
  "Scarlet fever used to be a lot more common than it is now but GPs are noticing more cases than in previous years at the moment. If a patient thinks that they, or their child, might have symptoms, they should seek medical assistance."
  Scarlet fever is a very contagious, seasonal bacterial illness that mainly affects children and is not uncommon for this time of year.
  Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness; PHE is advising parents to be on the lookout for scarlet fever symptoms, which include a sore throat, headache and fever with a characteristic fine, pinkish or red rash with a sandpapery feel. If signs of scarlet fever are suspected, it is important to contact your local GP or NHS 111.
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  Nick Phin, deputy director at Public Health England, said: "It's not uncommon to see a rise in cases of scarlet fever at this time of year.
  "Scarlet fever is not usually a serious illness and can be treated with antibiotics to reduce the risk of complications and spread to others.
  "We are monitoring the situation closely and remind parents to be aware of the symptoms of scarlet fever and to contact their GP for assessment if they think their child might have it.
  "Whilst there has been a notable increase in scarlet fever cases when compared to last season, greater awareness and improved reporting practices may have contributed to this increase."
  PHE is also urging GPs, paediatricians, and other health practitioners to be mindful when assessing patients and promptly notify local health protection teams of cases and outbreaks.