Parents urged to be aware after rise in scarlet fever cases in Northern Ireland

Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness mainly affecting children under 10, though people of any age can get it. Picture: Andrew Matthews/PA

There has been a rise in scarlet fever cases among children across Northern Ireland – prompting a warning for parents to be aware of the symptoms.

Clusters of cases have been reported at schools and nurseries in Antrim, Belfast, Bangor and Craigavon, the Public Health Agency (PHA) said.