Society

Macao records increase of scarlet fever

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-06-22 14:00

MACAO - Macao recorded a total of 49 cases of scarlet fever in recent months, a notable increase when compared to the same period of last year, the Macao Daily Times reported Wednesday.

The newspaper quoted a statement by the city's Health Bureau (SSM) as saying that the figure was much higher than 29 and 16 cases respectively in 2009 and 2010.

Among the 49 people diagnosed with scarlet fever this year, 35 were boys and 14 were girls, and that 53 percent of them aged between five and eight, and another 41 percent between two and four years old, the statement said.

In May alone, the highest number of 16 cases was reported.

The Health Bureau urged parents and schools to keep a close eye on their children and students and to report any suspicious cases, adding that it is closely monitoring the situation.

Scarlet fever usually affects children aged from two to eight years old, with its symptoms including a sore throat, skin infection, fever and a white coating on the tongue.