Travelinfo.ca: TRAVELLERS heading to Hong Kong are advised that officials are warning of an outbreak of scarlet fever among children. So far there have been more than 400 cases of the disease this year, including the death of a six-year-old last month. Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that is spread by coughing and sneezing. Scientists in Hong Kong believe the bacteria may be spreading more quickly than usual due to a genetic mutation. Cases have also been seen in mainland China and Macau. Scarlet fever happens every year in the region but this year there have been more cases than usual. Most cases are diagnosed in children under 10.
