PARENTS are being urged to be alert for the signs of scarlet fever as cases have appeared in the district.

The current statistics, which only show cases recorded up to the end of last week, show Braintree has at least three cases of scarlet fever.

Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness caused by Strep A, that mainly affects children.

The East of England as a whole has 708 cases and 59 residents with iGAS, the much more serious infection which develops from Strep A bacteria.

The NHS says scarlet fever can result in flu-like symptoms, including a high temperature, sore throat and swollen neck glands and a sandpaper-like rash.

Symptoms of Strep A in children include breathing difficulties, the skin, tongue or lips turning blue, or skin looking mottled, floppiness and sleepiness.

The Public Health Agency is urging parents to contact their GP if they suspect their child has scarlet fever, because early treatment with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia or a bloodstream infection.

Dr Joanne McClean, director of public health at the PHA, said: “Scarlet fever usually clears up after about a week, but anyone who thinks they or a child may have it should contact a GP for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

“To limit the spread of scarlet fever it is also important to practise good hygiene by washing hands with warm water and soap, not sharing drinking glasses or utensils, and covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.

“People should also stay away from nursery, school or work for 24 hours after taking the first dose of antibiotics.”

Dr Ravi Balakrishnan, consultant in health protection at UK Health Security Agency East, said cases of Strep A appear to be greater this year than previously.

“We know this is very concerning for parents and carers, but often these illnesses can be mild and easily treatable,” he said.

“GAS is a common bacteria that lots of us carry in our throats and on our skin, and it doesn’t always result in illness.

“However, in very rare occasions, GAS bacteria can become invasive which is more serious and I ask all parents and carers to make themselves familiar with symptoms.”