Scarlet fever at another Angus school

Another primary school in Angus has been hit with scarlet fever.

Last week it was reported that pupils at Burnside and Woodlands primaries in Carnoustie had been struck by the illness.

Yesterday Angus Council confirmed that pupils at Northmuir Primary School in Kirriemuir had also been affected.

The council spokesman said: “I can confirm that there has been scarlet fever at Northmuir and we have written to parents.”

Cases have also been reported in 11 Dundee schools in what has been the largest number of cases of scarlet fever in the UK for 24 years.

The bacterial illness causes a distinctive rash, high temperature and sore throat as well as a white coating on the tongue.

It can be successfully treated with antibiotics but is highly contagious.

The disease is most common among children aged between two and eight.

The number of scarlet fever cases normally increases during the winter.