Are there different strains of scarlet fever?

Scarlet fever is caused by streptococcal (strep) bacteria, the same bacteria that cause strep throat. There are many different strains of strep bacteria, some of which cause more serious illness than others.

Is there a difference between scarlet fever and scarlatina?

Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that develops in some people who have strep throat. Also known as scarlatina, scarlet fever features a bright red rash that covers most of the body. Scarlet fever is almost always accompanied by a sore throat and a high fever.

What can be mistaken for scarlet fever?

Slapped cheek. Slapped cheek can often be mistaken for scarlet fever, but it starts with a rash on the cheek (which looks like the child has been slapped) and then sometimes spreads to the body a few days after that. The rash usually lasts for around two weeks, but can continue after that.

Is rheumatic fever the same as scarlet fever?

Scarlet fever is more common among children, but it can develop at any age. Rheumatic fever is caused by the same bacteria as scarlet fever. The link between strep infection and rheumatic isn’t entirely clear.

Can scarlet fever cause problems later in life?

In general, appropriately diagnosed and treated scarlet fever results in few if any long-term effects. However, if complications develop for whatever reason, problems that include kidney damage, hepatitis, vasculitis, septicemia, congestive heart failure, and even death may occur.

Do people still get scarlatina?

Fast facts on scarlet fever More detail is in the main article. Scarlet fever is less common now than in the past, but outbreaks still occur. The bacteria that causes strep throat is also responsible for scarlet fever. It can be successfully treated with antibiotics.

Is scarlet fever and roseola the same thing?

In the absence of the test, scarlet fever is sometimes confused with the other classic childhood exanthems (measles, rubella, fifth disease, roseola) or with mononucleosis, Staphylococcus infection, enteroviral infections, or Kawasaki disease.

Why is scarlet fever rare now?

Scarlet fever once was common among children ages 2 to 10, but now it is relatively rare. The reason for this remains a mystery, especially because there has been no decrease in the number of cases of strep throat or strep skin infections.

Can Kawasaki disease be mistaken for scarlet fever?

Identified in 1967 in Japan by Tomisaku Kawasaki, the cause of Kawasaki Disease is still unknown. The illness presents with several symptoms common to a variety of other childhood diseases and infections and is therefore often misdiagnosed, particularly as scarlet fever.

How can you tell scarlet fever?

Diagnosis and Testing Clinicians need to use either a rapid antigen detection test (RADT) or throat culture to confirm scarlet fever with pharyngitis. RADTs have high specificity for group A strep but varying sensitivities when compared to throat culture. Throat culture is the gold standard diagnostic test.

What kind of infection can cause scarlet fever?

Scarlet fever is a disease which can occur as a result of a group A streptococcus (group A strep) infection, also known as Streptococcus pyogenes.

When is scarlet fever most common in the United States?

Epidemiology and Surveillance. In the United States, scarlet fever is most common during the winter. CDC does not track the incidence of scarlet fever or other non-invasive group A strep infections. CDC tracks invasive group A strep infections through the Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs) program.

How to tell if you have scarlet fever?

It typically begins on the face or neck and spreads to the trunk, arms and legs. If pressure is applied to the reddened skin, it will turn pale. Red lines. The folds of skin around the groin, armpits, elbows, knees and neck usually become a deeper red than the surrounding rash. Flushed face.

Can you get scarlet fever if you have strep throat?

Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that develops in some people who have strep throat. Also known as scarlatina, scarlet fever features a bright red rash that covers most of the body.