THERE has been a sharp reduction in the number of scarlet fever cases throughout the region.

Figures from Public Health England show that cases across the South West have fallen from 422 in 2015 to 348 in 2016 and from 40 to 23 in Gloucestershire.

This equates to a drop of 18 per cent across the region.

Scarlet fever is a common infection which is more frequently suffered during the winter and the majority of cases are reasonably mild.

Public Health England South West deputy director of health protection, Mike Wade, said: “As scarlet fever is highly contagious, children or adults diagnosed with scarlet fever by their GP should stay at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid passing on the infection.

“Basic good hygiene such as washing hands regularly and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes will help prevent the spread of scarlet fever.”

Scarlet fever’s symptoms include a sore throat, headache and fever with a characteristic sandpapery, fine, pinkish or red rash.

You are advised to contact your GP if these symptoms develop.

Scarlet fever is most common between the ages of two and eight years of age, it was once a very dangerous infection.

Although it is much less serious now, complications can arise, particularly in those who remain untreated and there is currently no vaccine.