CASES of scarlet fever are rising across Sussex as the peak season for the highly infectious disease continues.

Latest figures reveal 116 children and adults have been struck down by the illness since September, a sharp rise on the 71 reported for the same period last year.

Public Health England (PHE) has been monitoring cases across the country and raising awareness in a bid to halt the spread of infection.

PHE head of infection surveillance Theresa Lamagni 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. Given that the scarlet fever season should peak within the next few weeks, we should see a reduction in numbers soon but, in the meantime, substantial numbers of people will continue to be affected.

“Historically, seasons of high incidence have been preceded by seasons of intermediate incidence and it remains possible that we will exceed last year’s exceptional high level of activity."

Ms Lamagni added that the reasons behind this increase were unclear but may reflect long-term natural cycles in disease incidence. She said spotting early signs of the disease was vital.

She said: “Close monitoring, rapid and decisive response to potential outbreaks and early treatment of scarlet fever with antibiotics remains essential.

“Parents can play a key role in recognising when their child needs to be seen by their GP. 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.”

Symptoms usually clear up after a week and, in the majority of cases, remain reasonably mild providing a course of antibiotics is completed.

As scarlet fever is highly contagious, children or adults diagnosed with it are advised to stay at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid passing on the infection.

PHE is also warning schools and nurseries to be on their guard and to inform local health protection teams if they become aware of any cases.

Most common in youngsters

Scarlet fever is mainly a childhood disease and is most common between the ages of two and eight years.

It was once a very dangerous infection but although much less serious now, complications can arise, particularly in those who remain untreated.

Cases are more common in children, although adults can also develop scarlet fever.

There is currently no vaccine for scarlet fever.