Published Jan 10, 2024 | 9:00 AM ⚊ Updated Jan 10, 2024 | 9:00 AM
Throat infection, swollen tonsils, skin rash, fever are common symptoms of scarlet fever. (Supplied)
A throat infection, accompanied by a distinctive sandpaper-like skin rash, swollen tonsils, and throat pain has become prevalent among children aged 4-14 years in Telangana. The diagnosis? Scarlet fever.
Several paediatricians and ENT doctors have confirmed that cases of children in this age group presenting with throat-related complaints have increased in the past few weeks.
“In recent weeks, we are seeing at least three to four cases of children coming in with complaints of throat pain, infection, and fever, particularly in the 4-7 years age group. They are coming in with swollen tonsils, snoring, nasal blockage, difficulty in swallowing, and high-grade fever,” Dr Achyuth Panuganti, Head and Neck Oncologist and Reconstructive Surgeon from Dr Achyuth’s Head-Neck Cancers, ENT & Skull Base Clinic in Secunderabad, tells South First.
In this school-age group, among those presenting with these symptoms, the most common cause of infection is usually bacterial in nature, originating in the throat.
Dr Panuganti explains that scarlet fever is an infectious disease that primarily affects children. It’s caused by a type of bacteria known as Group A Streptococcus, the same bacteria responsible for strep throat. Scarlet fever is characterised by a distinctive red rash, giving the illness its name.
“This is a very commonly seen type of bacteria. But whenever, the child harbors this infection, they tend to become toxic. They will present with a high-grade fever, have difficulty in taking oral fluids too. ENT specialists or paediatricians should initiate treatment quickly,” Dr Panuganti says.
“In recent days, amidst the various types of viral fevers, we have observed an increase in scarlet fever cases among children aged 5 to 15 years,” Dr Sivaranjani Santosh, a renowned paediatrician from Hyderabad, tells South First.
She notes a worrying rise, with 30-40 percent of children showing symptoms of scarlet fever on Tuesday, 9 January, urging parents to take precautions due to its contagious nature.
“It is concerning. This infection is treatable and, hence, parents should take precautions. As this is a very contagious infection and can lead to worsening of a child’s condition if not treated, it is best that the child is brought to meet the doctor as early as possible and is also refrained from being sent to school when infected,” informs Dr Sivaranjani.
“The illness usually begins with tiredness, fever, and a sore throat, similar to strep throat. The red rash, which feels like sandpaper to the touch, typically follows within a day or two,” explains Dr Sivaranjani.
Strawberry tongue is a symptom of scarlet fever. (Supplied)
According to Dr Panuganti’s clinical experience, the symptoms include extreme weakness, high-grade fever, and noticeable changes in the oral cavity, such as swollen tonsils, possibly with pus exuding from them.
“The mucosa, the pink-coloured lining inside the oral cavity, will become congested and darken in color. Sometimes, the tongue may exhibit growth of enlarged papillae, known as a strawberry tongue, which is particularly associated with scarlet fever,” he explains.
Doctors say that the rash typically starts on the chest and stomach and then spreads across the body. Other symptoms can include headache, nausea, and vomiting, too.
This fever is usually more common in the western part of the country, but now, cases are being seen in the southern regions as well.
Dr Sivaranjani says that the number of any such infections is high in December and “this year, we are seeing a surge and it is just starting. If parents can take precautionary measures, then the spread can be prevented,” she insists.
Doctors explain that it is a highly contagious infection and if there is even one child with this infection in a class, it could immediately spread to other children. Same is the case at home. Dr Sivaranjani warns parents whose children are diagnosed with this infection to refrain from sending them to school until the fever and other symptoms subside.
Patients presenting with these symptoms will go through investigations such as a throat swab culture, which can establish the presence of a streptococcal bacterial infection. However, clinicians can often determine that it is a bacterial infection affecting children and can start empirical treatment with antibiotics.
“Most of the time, we use drugs from the Penicillin group, unless the child is sensitive to them. Other antibiotics are also prescribed for treatment,” Dr Panuganti explains.
Doctors warn that parents should not delay the treatment, as delaying treatment can have implications on the heart and kidney, in addition to worsening of the child’s condition.
“Consult a paediatrician as soon as possible if your child develops fever with sore throat, strawberry-like tongue, and a rash. It is highly contagious. It can spread when the infected person sneezes or coughs. It can spread by sharing food, water, etc. It can spread by touching the secretions and carrying them to the nose and mouth. Please do not send your child to school till the child is fever free completely for at least 24 hours,” Dr Sivaranjani warns.
Explaining to South First, she says that, if untreated, the child can develop acute glomerulonephritis and rheumatic fever. Both are conditions that can arise from immune system reactions, often following a streptococcal infection.
Acute glomerulonephritis involves inflammation of the glomeruli in the kidneys, leading to symptoms such as blood in urine, swelling, and high blood pressure. Rheumatic fever, a complication of untreated strep throat or scarlet fever, causes the immune system to attack the body’s own tissues, affecting the heart, joints, skin, and brain.
