Increase in scarlet fever notifications in the United Kingdom, 2013/2014

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Scarlet fever, a bacterial illness caused by group A Streptococcus (GAS), typically exhibits seasonal variations.
• Recent surveillance data indicates an unusual rise in scarlet fever incidence across the United Kingdom.
• This increase may precede or coincide with a surge in more severe invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To alert medical practitioners to the current rise in scarlet fever.
• To emphasize the importance of monitoring for invasive group A streptococcal disease.
• To highlight the potential public health implications of increased GAS activity.

Main Methods:

• Clinical surveillance of scarlet fever cases.
• Epidemiological monitoring of group A Streptococcus infections.
• Public health alerts and communication to healthcare providers.

Main Results:

• An exceptional increase in scarlet fever incidence is being observed.
• The current trend exceeds typical seasonal expectations.
• Healthcare professionals have been notified of the heightened disease activity.

Conclusions:

• The rise in scarlet fever warrants heightened vigilance for invasive group A streptococcal disease.
• Continuous monitoring of iGAS infections is essential to detect and respond to outbreaks.
• Public health interventions may be necessary to manage the potential increase in severe GAS infections.