More cases of scarlet fever have been confirmed in Cumbria - as health chiefs warn of a "substantial increase" nationally.

Allerdale, Carlisle and Copeland were the settings for the latest infections.

All parts of the county have been hit, with nearly 70 cases confirmed during the winter so far.

Scarlet fever is an infectious disease spread through close contact and is most common between December and April.

Public Health England (PHE) is advising parents to be aware of the signs and symptoms.

Nationally, 6,225 cases of scarlet fever have been reported since mid-September.

Nick Phin, deputy director at Public Health England, said: "It's not uncommon to see a rise in cases of scarlet fever at this time of year.

"Scarlet fever is not usually a serious illness and can be treated with antibiotics to reduce the risk of complications and spread to others.

"We are monitoring the situation closely and remind parents to be aware of the symptoms of scarlet fever and to contact their GP for assessment if they think their child might have it.

"While there has been a notable increase in scarlet fever cases when compared to last season, greater awareness and improved reporting practices may have contributed to this increase."

Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs, said: "Scarlet Fever is a bacterial infection that usually presents with a sore throat, fever, headaches and a rosy rash that generally starts on a patient’s chest.

"It is a very contagious disease and much more common in children under 10 than teenagers or adults.

"But it can be treated quickly and effectively with a full course of antibiotics and all GPs are trained to diagnose and treat it."

The latest figures are for the seven days up to Sunday.

They show there were five cases in Allerdale, three in Carlisle and one in Copeland.

Scarlet fever is a notifiable disease, meaning doctors must inform PHE of all suspected cases.

More tests will then be carried out and all confirmed cases are published weekly.

What is scarlet fever?

Symptoms of scarlet fever develop within a week of being infected.

Early signs include a sore throat, a headache, a high temperature (38.3C/101F or above), swollen glands in the neck and being sick.

This may be followed by a rash on the body, a red face and a white or red tongue.

It usually starts on the chest or tummy, before spreading to other areas.

It is made up of pink-red blotches that may join up.

It feels like sandpaper (this may be the most obvious sign in someone with dark skin).

It may be brightest red in body folds, such as the armpits or elbows.

It turns white if you press a glass on it.

Your GP will prescribe antibiotic tablets (or liquid for young children) to take for five or 10 days.

You or your child should start feeling better after a day or two but make sure you finish the whole course of treatment.

Scarlet fever usually clears up within a week, although the skin may peel for a few weeks after the other symptoms have passed.

The infection is contagious from before the symptoms appear until 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment - or up to two or three weeks later if you don't take antibiotics.

There's no evidence to suggest that getting scarlet fever during pregnancy will harm your baby.

But it can make you feel unwell, so it's best to avoid close contact with anyone who has it.

If you do get symptoms of scarlet fever, see your GP for treatment.

The antibiotics used for scarlet fever are usually safe to take during pregnancy.

Keep your child away from nursery or school for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment – adults should stay off work for at least 24 hours after starting treatment.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze – throw away used tissues immediately.

Wash your hands with soap and water often, especially after using or disposing of tissues.

Avoid sharing utensils, cups and glasses, clothes, baths, bed linen, towels or toys.