More than 200 struck by scarlet fever

It comes as Public Health England reported the the total number of children diagnosed with the disease in the country was at a record high.

Doctors say there has been a steep increase in the number of cases with 6,157 new cases confirmed in England since the season began in September - up from 5,061 in 2015.

But in the Black Country, Staffordshire and Wyre Forest areas, the overall number has decreased slightly with 220 confirmed cases, compared with 225 during the same period last year.

Some areas have seen a drop in the number of cases of the contagious condition while others have reported an increase.

Scarlet fever is caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria and results in a distinctive pink-red rash.

There have been 42 children diagnosed with scarlet fever in Wolverhampton, up from 30.

Ros Jervis, Wolverhampton's director of public health, said: "As elsewhere in the country, the number of cases of scarlet fever in Wolverhampton has risen slightly this year compared to last.

"This is partly because awareness of scarlet fever has been raised among frontline health practitioners to help ensure cases are identified and treated early. At the same time, it may also reflect the peaks and troughs that mark the natural prevalence cycle of many types of infections. We will however continue to monitor the figures closely."

Walsall has also seen a rise in the number of cases with 30 youngsters going down with the bug since September, up from 23 last year.

However in Sandwell and Dudley the numbers have fallen. Last year there 47 cases in Sandwell compared with 43 this year. While in Dudley there has been a large drop with 73 children diagnosed compared with 102 during the previous season.

In Cannock there has been a rise in the number of cases with eight youngsters falling ill, up from three in 2015. But the number has dropped in Stafford with just two cases this year compared with 14 last year.

While South Staffordshire has seen the first cases for two years with two youngsters diagnosed since September.

There has been an increase in the number of children in Wyre Forest who have confirmed of having scarlet fever. Doctors have reported 20 cases, up from six in 2015.

Dr Theresa Lamagni, from Public Health England said: "Individuals who think they or their child may have scarlet fever should seek advice from their GP without delay as prompt antibiotic treatment is needed.

"Symptoms usually clear up after a week and the majority of cases will resolve without complication as long as the recommended course of antibiotics is completed. Potential complications include include ear infection, throat abscess and pneumonia. Patients who do not show signs of improvement within a few days of starting treatment should seek urgent medical advice.

"As scarlet fever is highly contagious, children or adults diagnosed with scarlet fever are advised to stay off school or work until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid passing on the infection."

SIGNS OF SCARLET FEVER:

*Initial symptoms usually include a sore throat, headache and a high temperature of 38.3c (101F) or above), flushed cheeks and a swollen tongue.

*After a day or two, a pinkish rash, which feels like sandpaper to touch and it may be itchy, appears. It is usually first seen on the chest and stomach before spreading to other areas of the body, such as the ears and neck.

*Scarlet fever usually clears up after about a week but if you think you or your child may have it, see your GP for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.