Is scarlet fever contagious?

Scarlet fever is contagious and typically contracted through fluids from the throat and nose when an infected individual coughs or sneezes, according to KidsHealth. It can also be spread through eating utensils and cups. Scarlet fever is caused by an infectious group-A streptococcus bacteria, which also causes strep throat.

Scarlet fever is characterized by a red rash with tiny bumps, KidsHealth states. The rash often starts on the face or neck and spreads down the chest and back. Rashes typically fade after six days, and the body may shed the affected skin. As scarlet fever is a strep infection, individuals may also develop a sore throat, a high fever and swollen neck glands. The condition is triggered by a toxin in streptococci bacteria and may develop in conjunction with a throat infection.