Scarlet fever cases on rise in Hyderabad: Here’s what every parent needs to know

Scarlet fever is a seasonal bacterial infection in children caused by group A Streptococcus, and it can be treated with specific antibiotics. Symptoms typically appear within 2 to 5 days after the child is exposed to the bacteria.

Hyderabad: Hyderabad is witnessing a rise in cases of scarlet fever among children between 5 years and 15 years, along with other viral fevers during the ongoing winter season, senior pediatricians on Monday said.

Scarlet fever is a seasonal bacterial infection among children and is caused by group A Streptococcus, which can be treated through certain antibiotics. It usually takes at least 2 to 5 days for the symptoms to show-up, once the child is exposed to the bacteria.

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“We are seeing children 5 to 15 years of age with scarlet fever for the past few days. If your child develops fever, red and painful tonsils with or without creamish deposits, a diffuse red sandpaper like rash day 2 and/or a strawberry like tongue, please consult a pediatrician,” Dr Sivaranjani Santosh, Developmental Pediatrician, Hyderabad

The symptoms to look out for are fever with sore throat, strawberry like tongue, and rash. Scarlet fever is highly contagious and can spread when the infected person sneezes or coughs on to the other. It can spread by sharing food, water, touching the secretions and carrying them to the nose and mouth.

“Please do not send your child to school till the child is fever free completely for at-least 24 hours. The infection can be very well treated with appropriate antibiotics used for the prescribed duration. Do not delay the treatment, as delaying the treatment can have implications for the heart and kidney in addition to worsening of the child’s condition,” Dr Sivaranjini said.