West Berkshire sees six cases of scarlet fever reported, latest UK Health Security Agency data shows

Latest figures released show a total of six cases of Scarlet Fever were recorded in West Berkshire in the run up to Christmas.

This was the highest number in Berkshire, alongside Reading, which also saw six cases.

The details are in the latest Notifications of Infectious Diseases (NOIDs) weekly report, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

The figures, which were released last Thursday (December 29), are for week 51 of 2022 and cover the seven days up to December 25, Christmas Day.

Scarlet fever is caused by bacteria called group A streptococci, which can on rare occasions, get into the bloodstream and cause invasive group A strep.

This latest data from the UKHSA shows that cases of both scarlet fever and group A streptococcus infections are higher than in a typical year.

Across Berkshire there were a total of 22 reports, although the data does state that the figures are subject to change and are likely to increase.

There were six cases in both West Berkshire and Reading, with five in Wokingham. A further four cases were reported in Slough and one in Bracknell. Windsor and Maidenhead was the only unitary authority in Berkshire not to report a single case during the seven days to December 25.

So far this season, from September 19 until December 25, there have been 33,836 notifications of scarlet fever across England and Wales, according to the report.

This compares to just 4,672 at the same point during the 2017-2018 season, which was the last comparably high time, it noted.

Last month the Royal Berkshire NHS Trust issued guidance to parents on what to look out for if their children are unwell.

It said that while scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, it is highly infectious.

Symptoms include a sore throat, headache, fever and a fine rash that feels like sandpaper.

It urged parents who suspect their child has the infection to contact NHS 111 or their GP as antibiotics will be needed.

Dr Obaghe Edeghere, UKHSA incident director, said: “We are continuing to see a rise in scarlet fever and ‘strep throat’ and this is understandably concerning for parents.

“However I would stress that the condition can be easily treated with antibiotics and it is very rare that a child will go on to become more seriously ill.

“Over the winter, there are lots of illnesses circulating that can make children unwell and so it is important to avoid contact with other people if you are feeling unwell, wash your hands regularly and thoroughly and catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue.

“I would also urge all those eligible for free winter vaccines to take advantage of these.

“Most winter illnesses can be managed at home and NHS.UK has information to help parents look after children with mild illness.

“However please do make sure you speak to a healthcare professional if you believe your child is getting worse for instance they are feeding or eating less than normal, are dehydrated, has a high temperature that won’t go down, is very hot and sweaty or seems more tired or irritable than normal.”

The figures were released during what was described as one of the busiest times of the year for NHS services.

Patients faced long waits in A&E across hospitals in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West (BOB).

Chief nursing officer at the BOB integrated care board Rachael Corser said: "The period immediately after Christmas and before the New Year is traditionally the busiest in the calendar with services being really busy.

"We want to keep as many front-line clinicians available to treat people who are ill and need help urgently.

"So please help us by ensuring you do whatever you can to reduce the pressure on our services."

The public were urged to help the NHS by only calling 999 in the event of a serious or life-threatening emergency and using 111.nhs.uk or calling 111 if they need urgent medical help and are not sure what to do.

In a statement last week the board asked people to be ready to collect family or loved ones from hospital as soon as they are medically well enough to leave and to not go to an emergency department with minor injuries.

It added that local pharmacies can help with a range of minor health issues including colds, skin problems and earaches.