Macao records notable increase in cases of scarlet fever this year-Xinhua

(Macau, Xinhua June 22)-Macau registered 49 cases of scarlet fever this year, increased notably compared with the same period last year, Macau Daily Times reported on Wednesday.

The newspaper quoted a statement from the Institute of health of the region as saying the figure was much larger than 16 and 29 cases respectively in 2009 and 2010.

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

In May alone, just reported the largest number of cases of 16.

The Health Secretary urged parents and schools to keep a close watch on their children and students and to report suspected cases, adding that is monitoring the situation.

Scarlet fever usually affects children from two to eight years of age, with its symptoms include sore throat, skin infections, fever and a white coating on the tongue.