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| Scarlet fever: Highest number of cases in 20 years | Scarlet fever: Highest number of cases in 20 years |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| More cases of scarlet fever have been reported since the start of the year than occurred during the whole of 2013. | More cases of scarlet fever have been reported since the start of the year than occurred during the whole of 2013. |
| Public Health Wales (PHW) has received notification of 379 cases, compared to a total of 186 last year. | |
| It is already the highest number of cases reported in Wales in 20 years. | |
| The increase in scarlet fever, which tends to affect young children, has been seen across the UK, with England reaching its highest weekly level since records began in 1982. | The increase in scarlet fever, which tends to affect young children, has been seen across the UK, with England reaching its highest weekly level since records began in 1982. |
| In March, PHW said the rise could be linked to mild weather. | In March, PHW said the rise could be linked to mild weather. |
| The number of cases seen already this year is higher than the total number reported in any year since 1994. | The number of cases seen already this year is higher than the total number reported in any year since 1994. |
| The infectious disease can cause a high temperature, red rash and sore throat, and is treatable with antibiotics. | The infectious disease can cause a high temperature, red rash and sore throat, and is treatable with antibiotics. |
| Highly contagious | Highly contagious |
| PHW said the higher numbers could be related to the recent mild winter, but it had no firm evidence for that. | PHW said the higher numbers could be related to the recent mild winter, but it had no firm evidence for that. |
| Speaking after the number of cases hit 139 last month, Dr Rhianwen Stiff, of PHW, advised parents to be vigilant of the symptoms. | Speaking after the number of cases hit 139 last month, Dr Rhianwen Stiff, of PHW, advised parents to be vigilant of the symptoms. |
| At the time, children aged two to seven were the worst affected, and the highest number of cases was in Swansea. | At the time, children aged two to seven were the worst affected, and the highest number of cases was in Swansea. |
| She said: "Scarlet fever is highly contagious. Although most cases of scarlet fever are mild and will clear up in a week or so, a course of antibiotics can speed your recovery and will lessen the chances of spreading the infection to other people." | She said: "Scarlet fever is highly contagious. Although most cases of scarlet fever are mild and will clear up in a week or so, a course of antibiotics can speed your recovery and will lessen the chances of spreading the infection to other people." |
| Anyone who suspects they or their child has scarlet fever should contact their GP or telephone NHS Direct for advice on 0845 46 47. | Anyone who suspects they or their child has scarlet fever should contact their GP or telephone NHS Direct for advice on 0845 46 47. |