Symptoms of scarlet fever

Bacteria called group A Streptococcus or group A strep cause scarlet fever. The bacteria sometimes make a poison (toxin), which causes a rash — the “scarlet” of scarlet fever. Also known as scarlatina, scarlet fever features a bright red rash that covers most of the body.

Scarlet fever is much less common than it used to be but in recent years there have been a number of significant outbreaks. The first signs of scarlet fever can be flu-like symptoms, including a high temperature, a sore throat and swollen neck glands.

A rash appears 12 to 48 hours later. It looks like small, raised bumps and starts on the chest and tummy, then spreads. The symptoms of scarlet fever usually develop two to five days after infection, although the incubation period (the period between exposure to the infection and symptoms appearing) can be as short as one day or as long as seven days.

The group A streptococcal bacteria are found in the nose and throat. They are spread by:
*Coughing and sneezing
*Contact with a contaminated surface, such as a plate or glass
*Touching or kissing an infected person

Scarlet fever is most common in children 5 to 15 years of age. The symptoms are the same for children and adults, although scarlet fever is less common in adults.
Symptoms of scarlet fever

Scarlet fever - disease resulting from a group A streptococcus infection

Scarlet fever (known as scarlatina in older literature references) is an infectious disease caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A streptococcus (GAS) can colonize the throat or the skin. The same bacteria can also cause impetigo.

Scarlet fever is a syndrome characterized by a rash, which usually accompanies a sore throat. It can have complications, and it needs to be recognized at presentation as it is a notifiable disease.

The rash is the most striking sign of scarlet fever. This is a scarlet, confluent rash, mainly macular (flat) rather than papular (bumpy).

Transmission occurs by direct person-to-person contact via saliva or nasal secretions or, rarely, by indirect contact through objects or hands. The incubation period is two to five days.

Bacteria that cause the infection produce toxins (poisons), which cause the rash, a red and swollen tongue and flushed cheeks. The scarlet fever rash can be confused with measles.

Scarlet fever is mainly a childhood disease and is most commonly seen between the ages of 2 and 8 years. Unlike many infectious diseases seen in children, is not vaccine preventable. Although historically considered a dangerous disease, it is now much less serious.

Scarlet fever is highly contagious and, if not treated with antimicrobials, can be infectious for two to three weeks after the onset of symptoms.
Scarlet fever - disease resulting from a group A streptococcus infection