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What is scarlet fever? -

Scarlet fever (scarlatina) is a bacterial infection caused by group A streptococcus. This is the same bacteria responsible for strep throat.

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Why is it called scarlet fever? -

The bacteria create a toxin that causes the disease's most obvious symptom: a bright red and bumpy rash all over the body, hence the name.

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Who’s at risk? -

While scarlet fever can affect people of all ages, it is most common in children and teenagers between the ages of five and 15.

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Who’s at risk? -

Parents and other adults who come into close contact with children in this age range are also at risk of catching the disease.

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Is scarlet fever contagious? -

Yes, scarlet fever is contagious, and infected people can easily spread it through airborne transmission (i.e. through droplets).

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How do you get scarlet fever? -

Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, or group A strep, lives in the infected bodies, including the nose and throat. As such, it’s usually spread by coughing or sneezing.

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How do you get scarlet fever? -

Infection is likely to occur when a person breathes in the infected droplets or touches a surface where the droplets fell and then touches the eyes, mouth, or nose.

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How do you get scarlet fever? -

Infection may also occur when drinking from the same glass or eating from the same plate as an infected person.

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Symptoms: rash -

The most obvious symptom of scarlet fever is a red rash, which usually first appears around the neck and chest areas. The rash then may spread to other parts of the body, including the face, arms, legs, and back.

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Symptoms: rash -

In the beginning, the rash is composed of small, flat splotches that will then become small bumps. Visually, it resembles a bad sunburn. As for its texture, it has been described by some people as rough like sandpaper.

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Symptoms: rash -

Small red or purple bumps may also appear in skin creases, including the elbows, underarms, and groin. The redness on these may actually be more vivid than the rest of the rash. These are called Pastia's lines.

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Symptoms: rash -

In addition to the red rash, the area around the mouth may also become pale.

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Symptoms: peeling -

Peeling tends to occur for about a week after the rash subsides.

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Symptoms: mouth and throat -

A white-colored coating often develops on the tongue, and it may become more red, swollen, and bumpy. This symptom is also known as strawberry tongue.

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Symptoms: mouth and throat -

The tonsils may also become red and swollen, and feel sore. As a result of the mouth and throat symptoms, swallowing may become difficult.

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Other symptoms -

Scarlet fever may also trigger other symptoms, including chills, fever, headaches, body aches, and swollen glands.

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Other symptoms -

Other symptoms include decreased appetite, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.

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Possible complications -

Group A strep may spread to other parts of the body and lead to other complications. These may include tonsil or brain abscesses and skin, ear, and sinus infections, as well as pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis.

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Possible complications -

Other complications may include kidney damage, septicemia, arthritis, mastoiditis, and rheumatic fever, as well as a number of immune issues.

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Diagnosis: testing for bacteria -

Usually a throat swabbing strep test or a rapid molecular strep test is conducted to check for group A strep bacteria.

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Diagnosis: testing for bacteria -

If the result comes back negative, your healthcare provider may want to do a throat culture. This may take up to 48 hours and will determine whether or not bacteria grows from the sample.

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Treatment -

Antibiotics are required to treat scarlet fever. These will kill the bacteria responsible for the infection.

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Treatment -

Additional medication may be needed for easing the itch, as well as for reducing fever or pain. Adjusting the individuals' diet to soft foods and liquids may also be required if there is difficulty in swallowing.

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Prevention -

There's currently no vaccine for scarlet fever, so prevention can only go as far as taking the necessary steps to avoid getting infected. This includes avoiding coming into close contact with people who have scarlet fever.

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Prevention -

You can also prevent getting scarlet fever by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly.

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Avoid spreading bacteria -

Those infected should avoid contact with other people (i.e. stay home). They should cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and keep their toothbrush separate from those of other family members.

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How long does it last? -

With the appropriate treatment, the rash usually lasts for about a week, but peeling will continue for several weeks, until the skin is completely healed. Swollen glands may also last for a few weeks.

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When to seek immediate medical assistance -

If the symptoms don’t improve or new symptoms appear 24 hours after starting the prescribed treatment, you should get in touch with your healthcare provider.

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Immunity? -

Getting scarlet fever won’t make you immune to it. A person can have scarlet fever more than once.

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Outlook -

Scarlet fever was once a common and serious childhood disease, but nowadays it is easily treated.

Sources: (Cleveland Clinic) (NHS) (Mayo Clinic)

See also: Triple E and other tropical diseases you should know about

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