TWO cases of a highly infectious disease have been reported across Somerset. 

The latest NOIDs (notifications of infectious diseases) report from Public Health England for the week ending October 30 states that one person in Taunton Deane and one person in Sedgemoor had caught scarlet fever. 

Scarlet fever is a highly contagious disease. Mayor symptoms include a skin infection causes by particular strains of streptococcus bacteria. 

Initial symptoms include a sore throat, headache, a high temperature, flushed cheeks and a swollen tongue. 

Around two days later the characteristic pink rash appears usually on the chest or stomach before spreading to other areas. 

The rash is said to feel like sandpaper to touch and may be itchy.

The symptoms usually develop two to five days after being infected. 

The infection usually clears up after a week and, according to Public Health England, it usually passes without complication.

Dr Theresa Lamagni, PHE’s head of streptococcal infection surveillance, said: "Early signs to look out for are sore throat, headache and fever with the characteristic pinkish/red sandpapery rash appearing within a day or two, typically on the chest and stomach but then spreading to other parts of the body.

"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 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."

The disease spread by breathing in bacteria in airborne droplets from an infected person coughs and sneezes, touching the skin of a person with a streptococcal skin infection or sharing contaminated towels, baths, clothes or bed linen.

If you think you or your child may have scarlet fever, it is advised to see your GP for a proper diagnosis.