Parents are being urged to be aware of scarlet fever symptoms after a rise of confirmed cases in Powys.

A letter sent last week to parents of Ysgol Cedewain and Llanidloes High School pupils urged them to contact their GP or hospital doctor if they are worried that their child is infected.

Scarlet fever is a "very contagious" infection that causes a blotchy, pink-red and is common in young children but can affect people of any age, according to Public Health Wales.

A letter sent from headteacher Russell Cadwallader said: “We have been informed that a child that attends Ysgol Cedewain has been diagnosed with confirmed scarlet fever.”

Llanidloes High School acting headteacher Richard Williams said that “a small number of children have been diagnosed with suspected/confirmed scarlet fever.

"If you are concerned for any reason please seek medical help immediately".

Children who have had chickenpox recently are more likely to develop a more serious infection during an outbreak of scarlet fever and so parents should remain vigilant for symptoms.

It should be treated with antibiotics to reduce the risk of complications and spread to others.

NHS Direct Wales says symptoms of scarlet fever develop within a week of being infected. Early signs include a sore throat, a headache, a high temperature, swollen glands in the neck and being sick. A rash on the body, a red face and a white or red tongue can sometimes develop.

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

Data from Public Health Wales says it has been notified of eight cases of scarlet fever among children and young people living in Powys in 2018.

In 2017, a total of 45 cases of scarlet fever were recorded in Powys among under-19s.