This is another fever that gets its name from one of its more prominent symptoms: redness
Photo Credits: MedBullet, Britannica
Name
Scarlet Fever
Transmission
- A bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria (also affects a small percentage of people who have streptococcal skin infections or strep throat)
- The highly contagious bacteria is spread from person to person via contact with fluids from the infected person’s throat or nose via coughing, sneezing, skin-to-skin contact, and handling contaminated objects
- Mostly affects young children under age 15
Geography
Worldwide
Incubation Period
1 – 7 days
Signs and Symptoms
- Red, sore throat
- Red rash on face, neck, trunk, arms, and legs
- Red, bumpy tongue
- White coating on tongue or back of throat
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Swollen glands
- Abdominal pain
- Body aches
Diagnosis
Laboratory testing of a throat swab
Treatment
Antibiotics will cure the infection
Prognosis
- An infected person usually begins to feel better after 24 hours of beginning the course of antibiotics
- Symptoms generally clear completely after a few days of treatment
- If left untreated, can lead to more serious conditions that affect other parts of the body such as the heart and kidneys
Prevention: What Can You Do?
- Washing your hands and maintaining good personal hygiene is the most effective prevention method
- Avoid sharing personal items (cutlery, glasses, linens, etc) with infected people
Scarlet Fever In the News