Scarlet Fever has increased by over 400% in just one year in Kirklees.

Cases of the highly-infectious rash-based illness, which mainly affects two to eight year olds, have jumped from 12 to 50 reports this year.

The shocking data, which looked at diagnoses in the same period from September 2013 to March in 2014 and during the same period in 2014/15, was revealed by Public Health England.

It stands in line with substantial increases across the whole of England, that have continued to grow in the last two years.

But Rachel Spencer-Henshall, the new Head of Public Health in Kirklees, does not yet think the figures are cause for concern.

“Although cases in West Yorkshire are high, Kirklees figures remain relatively low and haven’t substantially increased.

“Figures are high at this time of year because it’s a seasonal disease.

“I’ve no concerns at the moment but it is important that we discuss this with our health partners in the area and a meeting has been scheduled for next Monday.

“We need to address this quickly to work out our next steps.”

Leeds has the biggest incident rate of Scarlet Fever, with 185 diagnoses made in between last September and March and Bradford is second with 117.

Calderdale is the only area in the region to see a decrease in cases, from 32 last year to 17 this year.

Dr Theresa Lamagni, PHE’s head of streptococcal infection surveillance, said that after the scarlet fever season peaks within the next few weeks, a reduction in numbers should begin to be seen.

Mike Gent, consultant in Communicable Disease Control for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “Parents can play a key role in recognising when their child needs to be seen by their GP.

“Early signs to look out for are sore throat, headache and fever with the characteristic pinkish 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 see their GP without delay as antibiotic treatment is needed.

“Symptoms usually clear up after a week and in the majority of cases remain reasonably mild.

“As scarlet fever is highly contagious, children or adults diagnosed with scarlet fever are advised to stay at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid passing on the infection.

“Children and adults should be encouraged to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough and sneeze and to wash their hands after using or disposing of tissues.”