PARENTS and schools are being warned to be on their guard as cases of highly infectious scarlet fever emerge around Sussex.

Public Health England (PHE) has received dozens of reports of people coming down with the disease so far this year.

This includes four cases at Cradle Hill Community Primary School in Seaford, which has now stepped up its hygiene control measures to try to prevent other cases from happening.

A deep clean has also been carried out at the school in Lexden Road, which has almost 450 pupils.

March and April is the peak time of year for scarlet fever and health bosses believe there is a chance more infections could occur around the county in the coming weeks.

There was a sharp rise in cases of scarlet fever across England back in 2014, although numbers have fallen in the last two years.

Experts say there is no specific reason for this, with cases tending to rise and fall every few years as part of a cycle.

In a letter to parents Cradle Hill headteacher Maureen Fairhead said everyone needed to work together to prevent any further outbreaks and any parents with concerns should contact their GP.

PHE head of streptococcal infection surveillance, Theresa Lamagni, said: “Following the reported substantial increase in scarlet fever since 2014, the number of notifications of the illness remain elevated across most parts of England.

“Increasing numbers are currently being seen in line with the usual seasonal pattern, where we typically see increasing activity over the course of the winter and spring.

“Whilst scarlet fever is not usually a severe illness it should be treated with antibiotics to reduce the risk of further complications and to minimise the risk of spread to others.

“Children or adults diagnosed with scarlet fever are advised to stay at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others.”

Symptoms of scarlet fever include a sore throat, headache and fever with a sandpapery, fine, pinkish/red rash developing within one to two days of first symptoms.

If a parent or guardian or child develops symptoms they should see their GP and stay at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment.

More details are available at nhs.uk or by calling the NHS 11 helpline.