Hong Kong: Spike in scarlet fever cases reported

Event

The health ministry of Hong Kong has reported a significant increase in the number of scarlet fever cases recorded in the city. Before 2011, the number of scarlet fever cases reported annually was below 250, however after an outbreak in the second half of 2011, Hong Kong has reported no fewer than 1100 cases yearly through 2016, and 780 cases since the beginning of 2017. No fatalities have been reported in 2017.

Context

Scarlet fever usually starts with a sore throat, headache, and fever and may be followed by a fine red rash, which gives the skin a sand-paper-like texture. The rash may occur on any part of the body but typically begins on the face or neck and spreads to the chest, back, arms, and legs. The tongue of the infected person may appear swollen, red, and bumpy, and have a "strawberry-like" appearance with a whitish coating. Symptoms are usually mild but serious complications may develop, including otitis media (inflammation of the inner ear), throat abscess, pneumonia, meningitis, acute rheumatic fever, kidney failure, sepsis, and toxic shock syndrome. 

Advice

Individuals in Hong Kong are advised to seek medical attention if presenting the above symptoms and to take preventive measures to minimize the risk of contracting or spreading the disease (e.g., frequent hand-washing, sneezing into one's elbow, and avoiding contact with individuals presenting symptoms of scarlet fever).