[Scarlet fever in 1997]

In 1997, two years after the last epidemic peak of scarlet fever, the speed of decrease of the number of registered cases has been slower than after earlier epidemics. However, the seasonal distribution of cases does not forecast an increase of incidence of scarlet fever in the near future. The age, sex, urban/rural distribution of scarlet fever remain stable. The highest incidence rates are noted in 7-8-year old children. Scarlet fever cases are hospitalized in 1%.