Parents are being warned to be on the look out for symptoms of scarlet fever - after nearly 350 cases were reported in the South West in the past six months.

Scarlet fever, a disease which mainly effects children, is most common between the ages of two and eight, and although it is not as serious as once it was - complications can still arise.

Symptoms include a sore throat, headache and fever with a characteristic sand-papery, fine, pinkish or red rash.

A total of 348 cases were reported in the past six months, down 18 per cent from 422 in the same period of the previous year.

Mike Wade, South West director of health protection for Public Health England, said: 

“Scarlet fever is a common infection which is more frequently suffered during winter.

"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 by their GP should stay at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid passing on the infection.

"Basic good hygiene such as washing hands regularly and covering mouth and nose with a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes will help prevent the spread of scarlet fever.”