Increase in scarlet fever on the Island

Public Health is reporting an increase in cases of scarlet fever on the Island; a contagious infection that mostly affects young children.

Scarlet fever can be easily treated with antibiotics, so parents are urged to seek a GP's advice if any of the signs appear.

They include a sore throat, headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting. A rash of small red bumps may also appear 12 to 48 hours later.

There are many viruses circulating that can cause some of those symptoms, and they're usually resolved without medical treatment. 

However, on some occasions, children can develop a bacterial infection on top of a virus.

Parents are told; if you feel your child seems seriously unwell, trust your judgement and contact your GP.