What are the symptoms of scarlet fever and is it contagious?

https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/09/21/what-are-the-symptoms-of-scarlet-fever-and-is-it-contagious/ Scarlet fever is a childhood illness that some might associate with the past, but it remains fairly common in the UK. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cases. Here, we answer the most common questions about scarlet fever, what to look out for and how to reduce its spread. What is scarlet fever? Scarlet fever is an infectious disease caused by Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, otherwise known as group A streptococci (GAS). The same bacteria can also cause illnesses such as strep throat and impetigo, or on rare occasions sepsis. Scarlet fever is defined by a characteristic rash, which develops as a reaction to toxins produced by the bacteria. Thanks to antibiotics, scarlet fever is now usually a mild illness, but prompt treatment is important to reduce the risk of complications and prevent further spread. Who gets scarlet fever? Scarlet fever is mainly a childhood illness. Around 90% of cases occur in children under 10 years old, with the highest rates seen in children aged 2 to 8. Outbreaks can happen in nurseries and schools, where children are in close contact wi...