Is scarlet fever still around?
Fast facts on scarlet fever
- Scarlet fever is less common now than in the past, but outbreaks still occur.
- The bacteria that causes strep throat is also responsible for scarlet fever.
- It can be successfully treated with antibiotics.
- The primary symptoms are a rash, a sore throat, and a fever.
What can happen if scarlet fever is left untreated? Left untreated, scarlet fever can have serious complications, including severe skin infections, abscesses on the tonsils, and lung problems. If the antibiotics are not given early enough, scarlet fever can also lead to rheumatic fever, which can cause long-term heart problems.
How can Scarlet Fever Kill You? Scarlet fever can interfere with breathing by causing swelling of the pharynx. It can kill by causing a blood infection, septicemia. The fever it causes can result in severe dehydration, which can be fatal for infants and young children.
What is the cure for scarlet fever? Antibiotics to combat the streptococcal infection are the mainstay of treatment for scarlet fever. Prompt administration of appropriate antibiotics decreases the length of illness. Peeling of the outer layer of skin, however, will happen despite treatment.
What is the chance of getting scarlet fever? A person in close contact with another person infected with Group A streptococcal pharyngitis has a 35% chance of becoming infected. One in ten children who are infected with Group A streptococcal pharyngitis will develop scarlet fever.
What can happen if scarlet fever is left untreated?
What can happen if scarlet fever is left untreated? Left untreated, scarlet fever can have serious complications, including severe skin infections, abscesses on the tonsils, and lung problems. If the antibiotics are not given early enough, scarlet fever can also lead to rheumatic fever, which can cause long-term heart problems.
Is scarlet fever still dangerous? Scarlet fever is a childhood disease that was once considered very serious. With the use of antibiotic treatments, scarlet fever is generally not considered dangerous any more. However, if left untreated, complications may arise and the bacteria can infect other areas of the body such as the tonsils, ears, sinuses and blood.
Can you die from scarlet fever? In general, appropriately diagnosed and treated scarlet fever results in few if any long-term effects. However, if complications develop for whatever reason, problems that include kidney damage, hepatitis, vasculitis, septicemia, congestive heart failure, and even death may occur.
When was a cure found for scarlet fever? Sydenham identified scarlet fever in 1685 and ever since doctors and parents have known about the presence of this fever. The cure for scarlet fever only came when penicillin was discovered. Before that it was possible that people used herbs and other natural remedies to control the spread of the bacteria.