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Scarlet Fever

In this infection, certain Streptococcus bacteria enter the body through the pharynx, or throat, and cause an attack of tonsillitis. Without antibiotic treatment, the bacteria multiply and produce a toxin, or poison, that circulates in the blood. After an incubation period of one to seven days, the amounts of toxin are sufficient to cause the symptoms of scarlet fever.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms do vary slightly from person to person. Here is a typical case of scarlet fever.

On day one the child develops a high fever (as high as 104 degrees F, or 40 degrees C), a red, sore throat and tonsils, and a furred tongue. Sometimes a whitish coating covers the tonsils and the child may vomit.

On day two a bright red (scarlet) rash appears on the child’s face, except for just around the mouth. By day three this rash, which may itch, has spread to cover the rest of the body and the arms and legs. Meanwhile the child’s temperature starts to fall and the tongue becomes bright, strawberry-red.

By day six the rash has faded. Both skin and tongue may begin to peel, leaving a red, raw surface underneath. Peeling can last another 10 to 14 days.

Scarlet fever now has become rare. The two main risks, both very rare and occurring about two to three weeks after the rash, are rheumatic fever and a form of glomerulonephritis.

Parents of the child should contact the physician if you suspect your child has scarlet fever. Follow the advice of the doctor and you can expect a full recovery with no after-effects.

V. a) Speak about 1) the symptoms of scarlet fever
2) the course of the disease.

2. Describe 1) how scarlet fever is transmitted 2) how eruptionappears and spreads