How do you get rheumatic fever?

How do you get rheumatic fever?

Rheumatic fever may develop after strep throat or scarlet fever infections that are not treated properly. Bacteria called group A Streptococcus or group A strep cause strep throat and scarlet fever. It usually takes about 1 to 5 weeks after strep throat or scarlet fever for rheumatic fever to develop.

Is rheumatic fever serious?

Rheumatic fever is a rare complication. It can happen when treatments don’t eliminate strep throat or scarlet fever. It most commonly affects young children and teens. In severe cases, it can lead to serious health problems that affect the heart, joints or other organs.

Can rheumatic fever be cured?

The goals of treatment for rheumatic fever are to destroy remaining group A streptococcal bacteria, relieve symptoms, control inflammation and prevent the condition from returning. Treatments include: Antibiotics. Your child’s doctor will prescribe penicillin or another antibiotic to eliminate remaining strep bacteria.

How long does rheumatic fever last?

Symptoms usually pass within a few months but can last up to 2 years. They are not normally permanent. Other symptoms include a red, blotchy, skin rash, which appears in 1 in 10 cases. Less common are nosebleeds, abdominal pain, bumps and lumps, or nodules, under the skin, and a high fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

What does rheumatic fever look like?

Flat or slightly raised, painless rash with a ragged edge. Jerky, uncontrollable body movements (Sydenham chorea) — most often in the hands, feet and face. Outbursts of unusual behavior, such as crying or inappropriate laughing, that accompanies Sydenham chorea.

What is the most common complication of rheumatic fever?

Once they develop, the symptoms of rheumatic fever can last for months or even years. Rheumatic fever can cause long-term complications in certain situations. One of the most prevalent complications is rheumatic heart disease….If left untreated, rheumatic fever can lead to:

• stroke.
• permanent damage to your heart.
• death.

Can rheumatic fever cause problems later in life?

Rheumatic fever is a complication of untreated strep throat that can be life-threatening. Thanks to antibiotics, rheumatic fever is rare in the U.S. and other developed countries. It can cause permanent damage to the heart and heart failure. It is most common in children ages 5 to 15 years old.

How do you know if you have rheumatic heart disease?

Symptoms of rheumatic heart disease depend on the degree of valve damage and may include: Shortness of breath (especially with activity or when lying down) Chest pain. Swelling.

Is there a vaccine for rheumatic fever?

There is currently no vaccine for rheumatic fever, but Australian medical scientists are working to develop a Streptococcus vaccine. A vaccine that prevents streptococcal infections wouldalso be expected to prevent rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.