Scarlet fever is much less common than it used to be but in recent years there have been a number of significant outbreaks. The first signs of scarlet fever can be flu-like symptoms, including a high temperature, a sore throat and swollen neck glands.
A rash appears 12 to 48 hours later. It looks like small, raised bumps and starts on the chest and tummy, then spreads. The symptoms of scarlet fever usually develop two to five days after infection, although the incubation period (the period between exposure to the infection and symptoms appearing) can be as short as one day or as long as seven days.
The group A streptococcal bacteria are found in the nose and throat. They are spread by:
*Coughing and sneezing
*Contact with a contaminated surface, such as a plate or glass
*Touching or kissing an infected person
Scarlet fever is most common in children 5 to 15 years of age. The symptoms are the same for children and adults, although scarlet fever is less common in adults.
Symptoms of scarlet fever
