Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Jan 13: Hyderabad is witnessing an increase in cases of scarlet fever among children aged 5 to 15 years, along with a surge in other viral fevers during the ongoing winter season, senior paediatricians warned on Monday.

Scarlet fever, a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus, is treatable with antibiotics but requires prompt medical attention. Symptoms typically appear 2 to 5 days after exposure to the bacteria.

“We’ve observed an uptick in children presenting with scarlet fever in recent days,” said Dr Sivaranjani Santosh, a developmental paediatrician based in Hyderabad. “Key symptoms include fever, red and painful tonsils with or without creamish deposits, a diffuse red sandpaper-like rash (typically appearing by day 2), and a strawberry-like tongue. Parents should consult a paediatrician immediately if these symptoms are noticed.”

Scarlet fever is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs. It can also spread through shared food, water, or contact with contaminated surfaces.

Dr Sivaranjani advised parents to keep children with symptoms at home. "Do not send your child to school until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours. Early treatment with appropriate antibiotics is crucial to prevent complications affecting the heart or kidneys and to avoid worsening of the condition,” she added.

Paediatricians recommend maintaining hygiene, washing hands frequently, and avoiding shared items to minimize the risk of transmission. Parents are urged to remain vigilant and seek timely medical intervention to protect children during this season.