Can it be that the devastating NEW STRAIN of scarlet fever behind the HIGH rate in childhood disease? #CarryGobySeanKellz #FutureGroupNG via @myentertain9jar

A NEW strain of the potentially devastating childhood illness scarlet fever could be responsible for an incredible 300 per cent increase in the number of cases in the UK in the past six months.

A young girl with scarlet fever and a red rash which is a prime symptom of the illness [ALAMY/GETTY]

These will be subject to specialist testing by national expert microbiologists to help determine whether a new strain has entered the population.

Spokeswoman for Public Health England

The illness, which has symptoms including a painful red rash, sore throat and sore throat, mainly affects under ten-year-olds and can even lead to meningitis and pneumonia.

Figures released by Public Health England (PHE) show there were 7,198 cases of the illness between September 2013 and April 2014. The average number over the same period in the last ten years is just 1,836.

The Government's top health scientists are currently unable to explain why there has been such a dramatic increase, but a PHE spokeswoman said investigations are underway and a new strand of the illness entering the UK has not been ruled out.

She said: "Public Health England have requested and received isolates from laboratories across England to assist in further investigation.

"These will be subject to specialist testing by national expert microbiologists to help determine whether a new strain has entered the population."

Parents have been urged to keep children infected with the illness to keep them off school [GETTY]

Scarlet fever can be easily passed among children, and PHE guidance includes keeping infected youngsters off school until they have have received 24 hours of antibiotics.

Teachers and parents are also urged to make sure children cover their mouths and noses with a tissue when they cough and sneeze and to wash their hands after using or disposing of tissues.

The rates of scarlet fever have been increasing since 2011, with 4,607 cases recorded last year.

But the latest increase has put the number of cases at its highest level since 1982 -  with 883 new cases in England in between March 24 and 30 alone.

New figures are due to be released tomorrow morning, but the PHE is worried that even with schools closed for the recent holiday the number will not be reduced.

Dr Theresa Lamagni, PHE’s head of streptococcal infection surveillance, said: “While we hope that the Easter school break will assist in breaking the chains of transmission in schools, reducing numbers of cases, we cannot assume or rely on this being the case. As such, our investigations and assessment of the impact of this extraordinary rise in scarlet fever continue.”

According to the NHS Choices website the main symptom of scarlet fever is a widespread, fine pink-red rash that feels like sandpaper to touch.

It may start in one area, but soon spreads to many parts of the body, such as the ears, neck and chest. The rash may be itchy.

Other symptoms include a high temperature, a flushed face and a red, swollen tongue.

Symptoms of scarlet fever usually develop two to five days after infection, although you will be contagious before showing signs of the illness.