Scarlet fever epidemic in Spain: should we be worried about this disease?

In Girona (Spain), an epidemic of scarlet fever affects children from a school located 60 kilometers from the French border. Currently, eight children are affected and isolated cases may exist. An investigation by the Public Health Agency of Catalonia is underway.

What is it about ? scarlet fever is a bacterial infection caused by a bacterium: group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. “It is caused by a bacterium of the streptococci family: group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. When it enters the body, this bacterium secretes toxic for the organism responsible for the symptoms”, details the Health Insurance. Most of the time, it affects children between the ages of 5 and 10. Small epidemics are mainly present during the winter. The disease is rare in children under two years of age because the youngest are often immune to scarlet fever thanks to antibodies transmitted during pregnancy by their mother.

Contamination occurs through coughing, sneezing, sputtering. It is also done when a person’s hands are soiled by the secretions of a patient or during kisses.

Scarlet fever is manifested by a fever above 38.5 degrees, chills and painful angina. It is also possible to feel stomach aches, headaches and nausea. A rash characteristic of the disease then appears. “The skin presents a diffuse red coloration in the form of vast uniform bright red layers without intervals of healthy skin. It is dotted with more intense red dots, which make it rough or grainy to the touch”, details the Health Insurance.

Antibiotic treatment relieves the patient once the diagnosis is confirmed. Generally, the disease disappears within a few days. Currently, there is no vaccine against scarlet fever.