Return of 19th Century Diseases Scarlet Fever and Measles

The return of scarlet fever and measles has raised concerns within the medical community. According to the Independent, these diseases, which had been eradicated in most parts of the world, are making a comeback in human societies. Cases of scarlet fever, considered a 19th-century disease, have reached their highest levels in the last fifty years, with estimates suggesting that over seventeen thousand people were infected in England and Wales alone last year. Similarly, the number of measles cases, also dating back to the Victorian era of the 19th century, is increasing daily. According to the Natural News website, the incidence of measles in England has doubled in just the past year. The UK health community has warned that more than 20 cases of measles were reported in the country in just the last month. The outbreak seems to be more prevalent in London and its southeast than in other parts of the country. Most of the infected individuals are aged between 14 and 40 and have not been vaccinated against the disease. It is still unclear why scarlet fever, which is considered eradicated, is returning. Some specialists believe this is a natural cycle of a pandemic. The disease is most common in children under ten years old. Doctors and public health officials have warned parents to be vigilant for early symptoms of the disease, which include fever, sore throat, headache, flushed cheeks, and swollen tongues in children. The characteristic small red rashes of scarlet fever appear one or two days after the initial symptoms. These rashes typically start around the abdomen and chest and increase towards the ears and neck as the disease progresses. The rashes are often rough and cause significant itching. Since this disease is contagious, infected children and adults must avoid contact with healthy individuals until the end of the treatment period.