The North West has the highest rate of scarlet fever and the third highest rate of strep A infections in England, new figures show.

Data released by Public Health England shows between mid-September and December 4, cases of scarlet fever and invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS) disease are at higher than expected levels for this time of year.

The North West has the highest rate of scarlet fever cases in England at 18 cases per 100,000 people, a total of 1,326 cases identified, while the average in England is 11.7 cases.

Last week, two cases were reported in Blackburn with Darwen, one in Pendle, one in the Ribble Valley and three in Rossendale.

There were also eight cases in Lancaster, one in Preston, one in South Ribble and four in West Lancashire.

Between September and December, there have been 86 cases of invasive group A streptococcal infection (Strep A), a rate of 1.2 cases per 100,000 people – the third highest rate in England. The average rate for England is also 1.2.

There were no invasive strep A cases identified in Lancashire last week.

The data does not include any cases which have been identified since December 4.

This comes after cases of strep A have been identified at Rosewood Primary School in Burnley as well as a potential case of scarlet fever.

A small number of children at St Oswald's R.C. Primary and Nursery School have fallen ill with scarlet fever.

Following an increase in serious cases, 15 children in the UK have died from Strep A bacterial infections.

Strep A bacteria can cause many different infections, ranging from illnesses including skin infection, impetigo, scarlet fever and strep throat.

The bacteria are commonly found in the throat and on the skin, and some people have no symptoms.

Parents have been advised to see a GP or contact NHS 111 as soon as possible if they suspect their child has scarlet fever.