Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is an acute contagious disease characterized by high temperature, rapid pulse, a punctate eruption 'followed by desquamation, inflammation of the throat. It is caused by Hemolitic Streptococcus.

The disease may be transmitted either by various objects — clothing, toys, books and food-stuffs, infected by the patient or by means of droplet infection (during coughing, sneezing or talking).

All children are susceptible, particularly frequently between 18 months and 10 years of age. Adults also contract this illness, but they have only sore throat without the eruption characteristic of scarlet fever.

The incubation period of the disease lasts on an average 4—7 days; sometimes it only jtakes a few hours.

The onset of the disease is sudden. There is generally a very sore throat, a sharp rise of temperature to 39 — 40°C, nausea, vomiting, headache and often chills. The lymphatic nodes of the neck are enlarged. The child' is restless and sleeps badly.

Within a few hours, but more often at the end of the first or in the beginning of the second day a diffuse red rash appears on the neck, chest and back, spreading to the arms and legs. The area around the mouth remains free from rash. The rash lasts one or three days and then fades away. After the disappearance of the rash the period of desquamation begins. Desquamation continues 10—14 days.

If no complications develop and patients feel good they are allowed out of the bed after the 7^th day of the disease. They may be discharged from the hospital on the 12—14^th days.

The principal complications are acute nephritis, adenitis, otitis media, pericarditis, endocarditis, etc.

Scarlet fever patients should be isolated and stay in bed. Careful disinfection of the patient's things is important. Antibiotics are prescribed.