Strep Throat and Rheumatic Fever
Strep Throat
Strep throat is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. It is more common in children than adults. It is easily spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and another person inhales the contaminated droplets in the air. A person can also get infected by touching secretions, then touching their mouth or nose.
Symptoms usually begin 1-3 days after exposure. They may include:
Strep throat is easily treated with antibiotics. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic say, "The good news is that group A strep shows no increased resistance to penicillin, despite decades of exposure to the antibiotic. So timely diagnosis and proper treatment usually lead to a good outcome." However, if not treated, it can lead to many potentially serious things, including rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, ear infections, and pneumonia.
(Sources: CDC, Mayo Clinic)
The Maryland State Health Department recommends the following for preventing the spread of strep:
Rheumatic Fever
Symptoms:
Rheumatic fever is not considered a major problem in the U.S., despite a limited resurgence in the late 1980's. However, it has been a major health problem in nonindustrial countries. Some researchers believe patients may have a genetic disposition for rheumatic fever.
(Source: Veasy, George L., M.D. and Hill, Harry R., M.D., "Immunological and clinical correlations in rheumatic fevre and rheumatic heart disease," Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, Vol. 16, No. 4)
In early 1985, rheumatic fever made a comeback in Utah. The state health department recorded 136 cases in 1985 and 1986. Investigators verified 99 cases. They occurred in 20 of Utah's 29 counties, and happened throughout the year, with the peak in March and April. 38% of the patients had a family history of rheumatic fever.
(Source: CDC)
