Scarlet fever: Find out how many cases have been reported in Milton Keynes as Strep A outbreak continues to grow

While the scarlet fever outbreak continues to grow across England and Wales, official figures show there were eight reported cases in Milton Keynes last week.

There were 1,702 cases of the highly contagious infection reported to health authorities last week in England and Wales, a 26 per cent rise from the week before.

Scarlet fever is caused by the Strep A bacteria, which in rare circumstances can lead to a potentially deadly illness called invasive Group A Strep (iGAS).

Rates of scarlet fever and other illnesses caused by the Strep A bacteria are unusually high for this time of year.

At least 15 children and teenagers across the UK have died from iGAS in recent weeks.

Nearly half of the cases of scarlet fever reported last week were in Wales, with 848 reports, figures from the UK Health Security Agency show.

The north east of England had the second highest number, with 286 cases, while other regions were barely affected.

Eight cases were reported in Milton Keynes in the week ending December 11, following 13 cases the previous week.

Symptoms of scarlet fever include a sandpapery skin rash and a white coating on the tongue.

Thanks to antibiotics, most cases these days are mild and easily treated, but parents are being urged to seek medical help if their child is deteriorating after a bout of scarlet fever, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection.