D2I2.
infection

Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever, also known as scarlatina and scarlatiniform rash, is an disease caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, a Group A streptococcus (GAS). It most commonly affects children and young adolescents between five and 15 years of age. The signs and symptoms include a sore throat, fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and a characteristic rash. The face is flushed and the rash is red and blanching. It typically feels like sandpaper and the tongue may be red and bumpy. The rash occurs as a result of capillary damage by exotoxins produced by S. pyogenes. On darker-pigmented skin the rash may be hard to discern.

Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.

Symptoms — what it feels like

  • ·Sore throat, fever, headaches, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, characteristic rash

How it's found

  • ·Throat

Prevention

  • ·Handwashing, not sharing personal items, staying away from sick people

Treatment

  • ·

Complications

  • ·Kidney disease, rheumatic fever,

Outlook

  • ·Typically good
Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.