The Department of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention said that two suspected linked cases of scarlet fever in children have been reported in Gozo.

There was a previous outbreak of scarlet fever in Gozo, affecting five children towards the end of January this year. All the children attended the same primary school class.

In line with international practices it was recommended that children in this class should not go to school for seven to 10 days until results of tests were completed, in order to limit the possible spread of the outbreak.

The department has once again reassured the public that all the necessary measures are being taken and that there is no cause for alarm.