Rheumatic fever how does it spread

Proper treatment of strep throat can prevent rheumatic fever. Also, have your child see a doctor if he or she shows other indications of rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can occur after a throat infection from a bacteria called group A streptococcus. Group A streptococcus infections of the throat cause strep throat or, less commonly, scarlet fever. Group A streptococcus infections of the skin or other parts of the body rarely trigger rheumatic fever. The link between strep infection and rheumatic fever isn't clear, but it appears that the bacteria trick the immune system.

The strep bacteria contain a protein similar to one found in certain tissues of the body. The body's immune system, which normally targets infection-causing bacteria, attacks its own tissue, particularly tissues of the heart, joints, skin and central nervous system.

This immune system reaction results in swelling of the tissues inflammation. If your child receives prompt treatment with an antibiotic to eliminate strep bacteria and takes all medication as prescribed, there's little chance of developing rheumatic fever. If your child has one or more episodes of strep throat or scarlet fever that aren't treated or aren't treated completely, he or she might develop rheumatic fever.

Inflammation caused by rheumatic fever can last a few weeks to several months. In some cases, the inflammation causes long-term complications. Rheumatic fever can cause permanent damage to the heart rheumatic heart disease. It usually occurs 10 to 20 years after the original illness, but severe cases of rheumatic fever can cause damage to the heart valves while your child still has symptoms.

Problems are most common with the valve between the two left chambers of the heart mitral valve , but the other valves can be affected. Damage to the mitral valve, other heart valves or other heart tissues can cause problems with the heart later in life. Resulting conditions can include:.

The only way to prevent rheumatic fever is to treat strep throat infections or scarlet fever promptly with a full course of appropriate antibiotics. Rheumatic fever care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Read more about fevers in babies. Next, a physical exam will be given. If you need help finding a pediatrician, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool. Treatment will involve getting rid of all of the residual group A strep bacteria and treating and controlling the symptoms.

This can include any of the following:. In rare cases, your child may receive lifelong antibiotic treatment. Anti-inflammatory treatments include pain medications that are also anti-inflammatory , such as aspirin Bayer or naproxen Aleve, Naprosyn.

Doctors may also prescribe a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation. Strict bed rest will be recommended for a few weeks to a few months if the fever has caused heart problems. This means ensuring your child completes all prescribed doses of medication. Practicing proper hygiene methods can help prevent strep throat:.

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.

Other heart conditions include:. The long-term effects of rheumatic fever can be disabling if your child has a severe case. Some of the damage caused by the illness might not show up until years later.

Be aware of long-term effects as your child grows older. If your child does experience long-term damage related to rheumatic fever, there are support services available to help them and your family.

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation and pain in the throat. We explain the common signs, diagnostic tests, treatment…. Rheumatic fever is a complex disease that affects the joints, skin, heart, blood vessels, and brain. It occurs mainly in children between the ages of 5 to It is an autoimmune disease that occurs after an infection with strep streptococcus bacteria.

Strep infections include strep throat and scarlet fever. Rheumatic fever happens more often in the winter and spring. This is because strep throat infections occur more often in these seasons.

Strep is contagious. This means it can be spread from child to child. But rheumatic fever is not contagious. Rheumatic fever is an autoimmune reaction to the strep bacteria. An autoimmune reaction is when the body attacks its own tissues.

It can be prevented if strep throat is diagnosed right away and treated correctly with antibiotics. Rheumatic fever is not common in the U. Children ages 5 to 15 are most at risk for having rheumatic fever. They are most at risk if they:. The symptoms usually start about 1 to 5 weeks after a child has been infected with strep bacteria. Common symptoms can include:. Inflammation in joints such as the knees or ankles that causes swelling, soreness, and redness.

Unusual jerky movements, most often of the face and hands. This is often noted by a change in a child's handwriting. These symptoms can seem like other health conditions. Have your child see their healthcare provider for a diagnosis. Your child may also have tests such as:. Blood tests. These are done to look for signs of inflammation, recent strep infection, and other related problems.

Electrocardiogram ECG. This is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It shows abnormal rhythms and detects heart muscle damage.

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