Scarlet fever!! The name itself is scary and sounds like a disease from history but in Dec 2017, just last year, medical scientists made a startling find that scarlet fever is back! Yes, the dangerous condition that causes fever, infection and rashes has made a dangerous resurgence across parts of the globe.
The scourge of Scarlet fever had been in decline for decades. As a cause of several child deaths around the world, it has made a deadly comeback where even European countries like England no less have reported an unprecedented rise since 2014.
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A recent study that was published in The Lancet infectious diseases has discovered 620 outbreaks that totaled 19,000 cases of scarlet fever that was reported in England in 2016. That makes it an all-time high.
The disease has also been reported in Vietnam, China, South Korea and other Asian countries in the past 5 years, so in all probability, this is where it’s coming from.
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Head of the streptococcal Surveillance of Public Health England, Dr. Theresa Lamagni says that “Whilst current rates are nowhere near those seen in the early 1900s, the magnitude of the recent upsurge is greater than any documented in the last century,"
In January 2018, 735 cases have already been reported which incidentally is the largest ever weekly outbreak since April 2018 and because of this citizens have been warned to be aware of the disease and exercise precautions.
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Scarlet fever or scarlatina as it was also called usually develops in those with strep throat. The typical signs are a bright red rash over the body with high fever and sore throat. In Scarlet fever, the bacteria that infects the throat is the same one responsible for the fever. Scarlet fever attacks mostly children in the age group 5 to 15 years old.
The public health department hopes that the cases will slowly diminish but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. In the USA, scarlet fever isn’t yet a trackable disease for concern, but awareness and information is good which is why the CDC (center for prevention of disease) made it their disease of the week in January 2018.
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In spite of modern antibiotics diminishing the severity of such diseases like scarlet fever and strep throat, the bacteria is evolving to withstand or be resistant to the drugs. In scarlet fever, the throat is first infected causing strep throat or a streptococcal infection. The bacteria then releases toxins that develop into scarlet fever with rashes all over the body and high fever. The rash will dry and start peeling in a week’s time. Rashes occurring during scarlet fever resemble those of sunburn so whenever you acquire a rash with fever, go to a doctor.
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The main symptoms associated with scarlet fever are”
• Red rashes with itchiness
• Sore throat
• Stomach pain
• Hot flushes and flushed face
• High fever
• Tongue a strawberry color with red dots
• Chills
• Tonsil swelling
• Pale skin around lips
• Swollen lymph glands in the neck
• Red lines and streaks around the armpits
• Headache
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The three main causes of transmission of the disease is airborne through open coughs and sneezes, skin to skin contact like handshaking, touching and hugs, through saliva by kissing or sharing drinks.
Scarlet fever is highly contagious so every child suffering from it should be quarantines from public if possible. Keep utensils and drinking glasses separate including bed sheets, pillows, bath towels and clothes.
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When a child acquires a rash or severe strep throat with fever. Immediately see a doctor to rule out scarlet fever. Check the child’s lymph nodes just on the sides of the neck to see if they are swollen. Streptococcus bacteria present can be diagnosed by a throat swab and culture which the doctor may recommend. In addition, the doctor will also examine the back of the throat, tonsils and the appearance of rash on the body.
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If you delay treatment and if a patient has low immunity, there are other risk and complications where the disease could graduate to conditions like a severe skin infection, ear infection, rheumatic fever, kidney problems and pneumonia or arthritis.
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The most common method of scarlet fever treatment is antibiotics as prescribed by the doctor. OTC medication like ibuprofen, paracetamol and aspirin may be prescribed to control the fever. Do not attempt to take or give these medications yourself to children as it requires special doses according to the age only to be determined by a doctor.
There are also home remedies to make the disease more comfortable which will also be recommended by a doctor such as drinking warm soup or eating ice cream. Saline gargles with warm water and salt also helps a lot. A dehumidifier in the room will also reduce the pain of sore throat. Children should be made to drink a lot of water to prevent dehydration. Electrolyte liquids could also be given after consulting with a doctor.
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At present there is no vaccine for scarlet fever. The only way to prevent the disease is hygeinc practices observed at home and quarantine of patients. Always wash your hands after you return from outdoors, before retiring to bed and before eating. When coughing or sneezing always use a handkerchief or cup your mouth. (Don’t try to stop a sneeze which can be fatal. read here)
And it is absolutely essential to drink plenty of water to remain hydrated and to meticulously wash your hands so that the bacteria won’t continue to spread. Cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing and make sure not to share any utensils or drinking glasses with others.
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• Drink warm soup
• Warm herbal teas like chamomile or ginger and lemon
• Soft foods and liquid diet
• Salt water gargle
• OTC medication for pain (consult with your doctor)
• Use Anti itch skin cream
• Drink plenty of water for hydration
• Suck throat lozenges for sore throat
• Avoid air pollutants and dust
• Use a humidifier
• A teaspoon of warm Honey with lemon will soothe the throat
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