Latest figures show that Bexley and Lewisham are among authorities in London with the highest scarlet fever cases.

The data, which is released by the UK Health Security Agency, shows Lewisham has the highest toll in London with 11 infections.

Three cases of the more serious invasive Strep A disease have also been recorded in Bromley and Greenwich.

There is a total of 15 invasive diseases recorded in the whole of the UK.

Bexley reported 10, Bromley recorded four, while Greenwich also reported seven scarlet fever cases across south east London.

These figures were reported in the seven days up to December 11.

Scarlet fever is caused by a bacteria called Group A Streptococcus, also known as Strep A.

The vast majority of Strep A infections are mild but occasionally a serious invasive infection can be caused.

Symptoms of scarlet fever include sore throat, headache, and fever, along with a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a “sandpapery” feel.

A total of 1,702 cases of scarlet fever were reported in England and Wales in the week up to December 11, with 108 of these in London, according to UKHSA. 

London has the third highest regional total of scarlet fever cases in England, behind the South East (209) and East of England (191).

The full list of infections recorded in each borough in the week up to December 11 is as follows:

Hackney: One infection

Hammersmith and Fulham: Three infections

Harringay: One infection

Kensington and Chelsea: One infection

Lambeth: Four infections

Lewisham: 11 infections

Southwark: Three infections

Wandsworth: Six infections

Westminster: Four infections

Bexley: 10 infections

Brent: Four infections

Bromley: Four infections

Croydon: Three infections

Ealing: 11 infections

Greenwich: Seven infections

Harrow: Three infections

Hillingdon: Eight infections

Hounslow: One infection

Kingston Upon Thames: Six infections

Merton: Seven infections

Redbridge: One infection

Richmond upon Thames: Six infections

Sutton: One infection

Waltham Forest: Two infections