Scarlet Fever - Epidemiology

Epidemiology

This disease is most common in 3-15 year olds with males and females being equally affected. By the age of 10 years most children have acquired protective antibodies and scarlet fever at this age or older is rare.

It is usually spread by the aerosol route (inhalation) but may also be spread by skin contact or by fomites. Although not normally considered a food borne illness an outbreak due to chicken meat has been reported in China.

Asymptomatic carriage may occur in 15–20% of school-age children.

The incubation period is 1–4 days.