Rheumatic fever is a complication that can arise from Streptococcal infection.
Rheumatic fever is usually found in children aged 5 to 15
and causes chronic progressive damage to the heart, its valves, the central nervous system (CNS),
skin, and subcutaneous tissues. In recent decades, rheumatic fever has declined within the United States
due to the widespread use of antibiotics. The disease usually arises approximately two weeks after strep throat
due to untreated upper respiratory tract infections.
What are the symptoms of Rheumatic Fever?
Symptoms usually occur 20 days after a known Streptococcal infection. All symptoms are as follows:
How is Rheumatic Fever transmitted?
One cannot catch rheumatic fever from someone; however, one can catch the Streptococcal bacteria. To avoid strep throat, it is important to keep practicing good hygiene. The bacteria reside on epidermal tissue as well as within mucus. Someone carrying Streptococcal bacteria can transmit the bacteria to another person through direct skin to skin contact or through mucus to skin contact through a sneeze or cough. If the new host touches an open wound on his body, the bacteria take up residence.
If a person infected with Streptococcal bacteria washes his hands often, the bacteria are washed away. If a person washing out all cuts with soap or disinfectant, infection can be avoided. If a person infected with strep throat is not treated, he will continue to be contagious for two to three weeks.
How is Rheumatic Fever treated?
The bacterial infection part of rheumatic fever is treated with antibiotics. Additional antibiotics should be taken for years after the infection to prevent another infection. The other complications are treated with anti-inflammatory medication as advised by a doctor.
What are the symptoms of Rheumatic Fever?
Symptoms usually occur 20 days after a known Streptococcal infection. All symptoms are as follows:
- Recent strep throat or scarlet fever
- Painful, swollen joints
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Faint pink or red rash
- Jerky body movements
- Fever
- Swollen lymphnodes
How is Rheumatic Fever transmitted?
One cannot catch rheumatic fever from someone; however, one can catch the Streptococcal bacteria. To avoid strep throat, it is important to keep practicing good hygiene. The bacteria reside on epidermal tissue as well as within mucus. Someone carrying Streptococcal bacteria can transmit the bacteria to another person through direct skin to skin contact or through mucus to skin contact through a sneeze or cough. If the new host touches an open wound on his body, the bacteria take up residence.
If a person infected with Streptococcal bacteria washes his hands often, the bacteria are washed away. If a person washing out all cuts with soap or disinfectant, infection can be avoided. If a person infected with strep throat is not treated, he will continue to be contagious for two to three weeks.
How is Rheumatic Fever treated?
The bacterial infection part of rheumatic fever is treated with antibiotics. Additional antibiotics should be taken for years after the infection to prevent another infection. The other complications are treated with anti-inflammatory medication as advised by a doctor.