Two cases of scarlet fever have been confirmed at a Kent junior school and four more cases have been reported in the county in the last month.

Letters were sent out to parents at Willesborough Junior School, in Ashford, after the Easter bank holiday weekend when two pupils were diagnosed with the infection. Health authorities have been notified.

Health experts say that half a dozen cases have been reported throughout Kent in the last month but have assured parents that the disease is treatable.

Nadine Miller, spokesman for Kent County Council, said: “Willesborough Junior had two cases of scarlet fever. This came to light after the Easter weekend.

“The Health and Safety Executive and Kent Health Protection Agency were notified and a letter from the HPA was sent home.”

Teresa Cash, regional communications manager for the Health Protection Agency, said: “We are at the peak time of year for scarlet fever, late winter and early spring.

“There have been half a dozen suspected and confirmed cases reported all over Kent in the last month.

“This was once a serious childhood disease but it is now treatable by antibiotics. It is not highly infectious.

“Those with the illness have to stay at home five days after receiving antibiotic treatment although in this case that is covered by the current school holiday.”

~ What you need to know

Scarlet fever is a bacterial childhood infection, so-called because of the bright red rash it can produce.

It usually affects the back of the mouth and throat but may also affect the skin.

The symptoms vary, in some cases there is only a sore throat and swelling in the glands of the neck but the rash can appear on the second day.

The illness is now rare in the UK but is most common in children and young adults.

It is usually spread from the nose and throat of a carrier when they cough or sneeze or through contaminated food, especially unpasteurised milk.

The incubation period is usually two to five days although it may stretch from one to seven days.