Join in Wayfarers Mad Hatters' Tea Party This Easter!

WAYFARERS Arcade are presenting a special treat, on Easter Saturday, 16 April 2022, when children and parents can meet Alice, the Mad Hatter and their friends. They will be in the Town Centre arcade from 11am to 3pm.

At 12.45pm and 2.15pm the theatre group will present a special Mad Hatter's tea party with all the fun and chaos that these wacky characters can wreak upon their watching audience.

There will also be photo opportunities with any of the characters for children (and adults if they so wish) to take and share on social media.

Yvonne Burns, Centre Manager says:- "We always like to provide something different at Wayfarers to entertain shoppers and visitors and a Mad Hatter's Tea Party is the perfect entertainment for Easter. So, make sure you drop into Wayfarers on Easter Saturday and join in the fun. There is no need to book."
 

Rise in:- 'Scarlet Fever' across North West

PARENTS in the North West are being reminded of the symptoms of scarlet fever, also known as scarlatina, following a rise in cases. The warning comes from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) who say that whilst infections are in line with what we expect to see at this time of year, there has been an increase compared to 2021 when measures during the Pandemic such as social distancing, enhanced hygiene and School and nursery closures kept cases below average.

A total of 914 notifications of scarlet fever were reported between September 2021 and March 2022, in the North West, the highest rate of any Region in England.

Scarlet fever is caused by a bacteria called group A Streptococcus. Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, but it is highly infectious, spread by coughing and sneezing. Other rare symptoms of group A streptococcus infection can include septicaemia (infection in the blood) which can potentially be fatal.

Other rare symptoms can arise when scarlet fever circulates at the same time as other skin infections such as chickenpox in a School or nursery, as is currently the case. Early treatment of scarlet fever with antibiotics is important as it helps reduce the risk of complications.

UKHSA is advising parents to be on the lookout for symptoms, which include:- a sore throat, headache and fever, with a characteristic fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel.

If signs of scarlet fever are suspected, it is important to contact your local GP or NHS 111. Early treatment of scarlet fever with antibiotics is important as it helps reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia and the spread of the infection to others. Children or adults diagnosed with scarlet fever are advised to stay at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others.

Dr Merav Kliner, Interim Regional Deputy Director, North West, at UKHSA, said:- "It's not uncommon to see a rise in cases of scarlet fever at this time of year and we are continuing to monitor rates of infection. Scarlet fever is highly contagious, but not usually serious and is easily treatable with antibiotics. It is important to take antibiotics, if prescribed by a GP, to minimise the risk of complications and spread to others. We are reminding parents to be aware of the symptoms of scarlet fever and to call their GP or NHS 111 for further advice or assessment if they think their child might have it. Symptoms to look out for include a fever, sore throat and a pinkish red rash with sandpapery feel. To limit the spread of scarlet fever it is important to practice good hygiene by washing hands with warm water and soap, not sharing drinking glasses or utensils, and covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing."

Many common infections declined during lockdown and are now circulating at:- higher levels, particularly in Pre School and Nursery settings.

UKHSA advises people can protect themselves by:-

► Washing hands often.

► Not sharing eating utensils with an infected person.

► Washing, or disposing of, handkerchiefs and tissues contaminated by an infected person.

► Being aware that people can catch scarlet fever by inhaling airborne droplets if someone with the illness coughs or sneezes in the air near them.

► Use a tissue to catch, bin and kill germs.

If you think you, or your child, have scarlet fever:-

► Seek medical advice.

► If you or your child are prescribed antibiotics, make sure you take the full course.

► Current guidance advises that children should not return to Nursery or School and adults to work until a minimum of 24 hours after starting treatment to avoid spreading infection.

► If you do not take antibiotics, you can spread the infection for 2 to 3 weeks after your symptoms start!

For more information about this bacterial infection by visiting:- NHS.UK/Conditions/Scarlet-Fever.

Have you been affected by scarlet fever? If yes, please do let us know and tell s what your experience have been in getting diagnosed, by emailing our Newsroom at:-  News24@SouthportReporter.Com.