Scarlet Fever Outbreak in Hong Kong

Hong Kong: Scarlet Fever Spreading Among Children

An outbreak of scarlet fever is spreading among children in Hong Kong, Macau and part of mainland China. Roughly 420 kids have been infected, and at least two have died.

This appears to be a mutated strain of scarlet fever, and is spreading faster than usual. While scarlet fever outbreaks occur every year in the region, the 2011 scarlet fever outbreak is up to five times bigger than in previous years.

Dr. Thomas Tsang of the Hong Kong Department of Health, said that the scarlet fever is not another SARS or Bird Flu situation, though parents should be treating it seriously. Tsang recommends that parents bring their kids to a doctor as soon as they see scarlet-fever symptoms.

Scarlet Fever Symptoms

Symptoms of scarlet fever include:

• Swollen, sore throat
• Bumpy red rash
• Fever
• Red, bumpy tongue
• Swollen lymph nodes in neck