SCARLET fever levels in Bradford have soared this winter, public health officials have revealed.
Doctors say it is unclear why numbers affected by the disease, which normally affects children, have changes so rapidly, but over last winter there were 63 cases reported in Bradford, compared to 117 in the same period this winter.
The city is one of the region's hot spots for the illness.
Dr Theresa Lamagni, Public Health England’s head of streptococcal infection surveillance, said: "We’re continuing to see a considerable increase in the number of people diagnosed with scarlet fever across England confirming this is the second season in a row with exceptionally high numbers. Scarlet fever is a seasonal disease and this is the time of year when the highest numbers of cases are typically seen."
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Mike Gent, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control for Yorkshire, said: "Early signs to look out for are sore throat, headache and fever with the characteristic pinkish sandpapery rash appearing within a day or two, typically on the chest and stomach but then spreading to other parts of the body.
"Individuals who think they or their child may have scarlet fever should see their GP without delay as antibiotic treatment is needed."
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