10-09-2012: Scarlet Fever cases in Johannebsurg warrant no panic
Two linked cases of Scarlet Fever were reported to the the City of Johannesburg Health and Social Development Department authorities: Public Health Unit on
31 August 2012. Both children three (3) years old and friends who are always together were diagnosed with scarlet fever. They were put on antibiotics and
stayed at home for ten days. To date none of other classmates’ contacts have shown any symptoms of the scarlet fever.
The City has measures in place to respond swiftly to any suspected and confirmed cases of scarlet fever and any other communicable diseases. These include
having outbreak response team ready to respond to any reported cases, heightened surveillance to identify any suspected human cases, educating the community
at large about the disease and prevention of spread.
The City of Johannesburg is also working closely with all departments such as the Provincial Department of Health and the National Institute for
Communicable Disease (NICD), in keeping an eye on the situation. All Clinicians are requested to report cases of infectious diseases or clusters of
communicable diseases.
Scarlet Fever is a bacterial disease that is effectively treated with antibiotics and thus no longer a major cause of death. Scarlet fever was feared in the
pre-antibiotic era, as it was associated with the further complications such as heart valve disease. Scarlet fever is caused by infection with group A
streptococcus bacteria that mostly affect children in the age group between four to eight years. The bacteria spread to others through nasal and throat
fluids by sneezing and coughing. Not all persons infected will display symptoms of the disease. Symptoms will appear within one to four days after being
infected. The signs and symptoms with sore throat, fever, bright red tongue with a "strawberry" appearance and a characteristic rash.The rash usually
begins looking like bad sunburn with tiny bumps and it may itch. The rash usually appears first on the neck and face, often leaving a clear unaffected area
around the mouth. It spreads to the chest and back, then to the rest of the body. Usually, if a child has the scarlet fever rash and other symptoms of strep
throat, it can be treated with antibiotics. If your child has these symptoms, it is important to visit the doctor or your nearest health care centre.
Any enquiries about Scarlet Fever can be directed to the City of Johannesburg Public Health Unit: +27 011 407 - 6845/29
ENDS
For more information contact:
Nkosinathi Nkabinde
City of Johannesburg Group Communication & Tourism
Tel: (011) 407-6477
Cell: 083 408 7787
E-mail: nkosinathin@joburg.org.za
