Several regions have seen a clear increase in scarlet fever in the past month. This applies, among other things, in Värmland, the Västra Götaland region and in Gävleborg, and the same tendencies are seen in the rest of Europe, above all in Great Britain.
The increase has meant that, for the first time, treatment recommendations for scarlet fever are now being issued in Sweden.
– We have received a lot of questions about scarlet fever from health centers throughout the country. For some reason, the disease has increased and we can only speculate as to why it is so, says Anna-Lena Fastén, general practitioner at Strama (Cooperation against antibiotic resistance) in the Stockholm region and one of those who drew up the new recommendations.
“Attention”
Scarlet fever is caused by the same type of streptococci that also causes strep throat and swine pox. Classic symptoms are fever, sore throat and red, bumpy skin rashes that appear after a few days.
– The disease is uncommon in adults. As a parent, you should pay attention to whether the child is sick and you notice that it is nothing more than the old common cold, says Anna-Lena Fastén.
It is rare for scarlet fever to lead to serious illness, but it does happen. The streptococci can sometimes find their way into the body and cause a life-threatening infection. In Sweden, two children have died from such a streptococcal infection this year.
Processing shortens the time
Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics that shorten the duration of the illness and make it less contagious.
The Public Health Agency has also received signals that scarlet fever has become more common in Sweden. It is not known exactly how many people have fallen ill because scarlet fever is not a notifiable disease.
– We urge you to always seek medical care if you suspect scarlet fever. You must also stay at home if you are sick. After two days of treatment with antibiotics, you are infection-free, says Anders Lindblom.
In the clip, the state epidemiologist tells more about the disease and why you should seek help.