Vigilance needed on strep A and scarlet fever cases, says NHS Highland
Schools and parents across the Highlands have been contacted by the health authority about an increase in infections such as strep A and scarlet fever.
It is understood that cases of scarlet fever have been identified in Caithness but a spokesman for NHS Highland would not confirm specific locations.
He said: "We are advising parents across our area to be vigilant of symptoms."
The spokesman added: "Similar to other health boards across Scotland and the rest of the UK, NHS Highland has seen an increase in cases of Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infection such as scarlet fever.
"We have written to schools and parents across Highland to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of GAS and the actions to take if you suspect your child/children has GAS infection.
"Advice and guidance on Group A Streptococcal infection can be found on the NHS Inform website."
GAS cases have been reported in 12 of 14 NHS boards in Scotland.