Another child in Hong Kong dies of Scarlet Fever

A kindergarten school suspended classes for a week, since Tuesday due to the death of a five-year-old boy confirmed to have been infected with Scarlet Fever. His death is the second reported case in the country. The first victim is a seven-year-old kid who passed away last May.

According to a report from Reuters, experts warned the public that the epidemic sweeping through Hong Kong, Macau and parts of China may worsen.

Scarlet Fever is a disease caused by streptococcus bacteria and spread through contaminated respiratory secretions.

Thomas Tsang, a medical doctor and controller of Hong Kong's Center for Health Protection said that they will be monitoring the situation very closely. Tsang added that, "If the genetic mutation is responsible for the increased transmissibility of the bacteria, the outbreak may be sustained for some time."

Based on the records from CHP, Scarlet Fever cases were up to 2.6% in China and 4.7% in Macau.

Children below 10 years old are most vulnerable to get this disease. Symptoms are sore throat, fever, bright red tongue with a "strawberry" appearance and rashes that usually start on the armpits. — ARA