At 22, and healthy, Indigo Duffy did not expect to be struck by a disease of the Victorian era. Originally from Kingston, in southwest London, the young saleswoman saw her life switch after a simple evening in a crowded pub in Brixton in September. Which seemed to be only a trivial sore throat quickly turned into an illness that she thought disappeared: scarlatin.
The body covered with pimples
“It was a really crowded concert, it was very hot” tells Indigo today to Sun. The next day, the young woman feels long lived in her throat. The vagaries of life in community no doubt: viruses are always possible! “I thought of a cold or a flu”tells Indigo.
But a few days later, she also discovered a red and painful eruption on her legs. The next morning, it is his whole body which is covered with pimples. Crazy, she goes to the emergency room where doctors confirm the diagnosis: a scarletian, a disease that hit children hard in Victorian times and could be fatal.
Fortunately, Indigo was able to quickly be taken care of thanks to antibiotics. After a week of rest and several days of dry and peeling skin, it is now restored. But his testimony highlights an often underestimated danger: the resurgence of this infection. According to the British health security agency, scarlet cases are experiencing an upsurge, with particularly virulent strains circulating for several years in the United Kingdom. This was also the case in France in 2023.
An ancient disease but which has not disappeared
Scarlatin is a bacterial infection due to streptococcus A. It mainly affects children between 2 and 10 years old. However, it can sometimes be transmitted to adults, especially relatives or professionals in regular contact with children. Contamination is made by air (coughs, sneezing, postillons) or by indirect contact with soiled objects.
Symptoms start suddenly:
- Strong fever (often greater than 38.5 ° C);
- Intense sore throat;
- Swollen ganglia;
- Sometimes vomiting and abdominal pain.
In 12 to 48 hours, a characteristic rash appears, first on the chest and belly, then on the whole body, accompanied by a feeling of rough skin to the touch. The tongue also takes on a typical appearance, called “raspberry tongue” or “strawberry tongue”, red and swollen.
Scarlatin: treatment and prevention
Fortunately, thanks to the antibiotics, scarlatin no longer has the dramatic character it had in the 19th century. Treatment is generally based on 10 days of antibiotic therapy (penicillin or amoxicillin). In case of allergy, macrolides are prescribed.
To avoid transmission, doctors recommend:
- Stay at home at least 24 hours after the start of treatment;
- To practice strict hand hygiene;
- Not to share utensils or laundry;
- Regularly ventilate your accommodation;
- And to avoid close contact, especially kisses.
Without treatment, contagion can last up to three weeks. With antibiotics, it is reduced to 24 to 48 hours. In the event of a diagnosis or if the child has been in contact with a symptomatic comrade, wash your hands regularly, air your accommodation several times a day, avoid contact with other children, disinfect objects and toys, use single-use handkerchiefs …
If it is poorly treated, scarlet can lead to complications: otitis, sinusitis, renal infections, even a featured rheumatic rheumatism likely to damage the heart. In fragile or immunocompromised people, an invasive form (IGAS) can occur, when the bacteria reaches blood or lungs. These cases remain exceptional, but potentially serious.
“”Like a sick Victorian child“”
Indigo, now restored, remembers with emotion this strange experience: “I felt like I was getting out of a Victorian novel. I thought of all those people who died of this disease two centuries ago. It was terrifying.”
His testimony recalls that even the so -called “old” diseases have not completely disappeared. Vigilance, prevention and rapid treatment remain the best weapons against scarlet. Especially if you have children.