Rheumatic Fever

            Rheumatic fever is common worldwide and is responsible for many cases of damaged heart valves. While it is far less common in the U.S. since the beginning of the 20th century, there have been a few outbreaks since the 1980s. Rheumatic fever affects primarily children between 6-15 and occurs approximately 20 days (usually within 1 to 5 weeks) after strep throat or scarlet fever. In up to a third of cases, the streptococcal infection may not have caused any symptoms. Persons who have suffered a case of rheumatic fever have a tendency to develop flare-ups with repeated streptococcal infections. .
             Rheumatic Fever is an inflammation condition that may follow an infectious episode of the group A Streptococcus (a bacteria) -- usually of the throat. In RF there may be heart (carditis) and multiple joint (polyarthritis) damage. RF also may affect the skin (rash, nodules) and the nervous system (e.g., abnormal involuntary movements). Some other common symptoms to look for are nose bleeds, vomiting, and abdominal pain; these usually occur seven to thirty five days after infection. To treat Rheumatic fever doctors recommend bed rest, penicillin, NSAIDS (e.g., asprin), and Prednisone(only where there is a severe form of carditis). It is recommended that patients take antibiotics before dental and other major procedures.