How old do you have to be to get scarlet fever?

Anyone can get scarlet fever, but there are some factors that can increase the risk of getting this infection. Scarlet fever, like strep throat, is more common in children than adults. It is most common in children 5 through 15 years old.

Are there any cases of scarlet fever in the UK?

History. Reports of cases of Scarlet fever in recent years has been on the rise. Countries including England, Wales, South Korea, Vietnam, China, and Hong Kong. Researchers are unsure as to what has caused the spike in cases of the disease.

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.

Where does scarlet fever start on the body?

The red rash of scarlet fever usually begins on the face or neck, later spreading to the chest, trunk, arms and legs. Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that develops in some people who have strep throat.

What organisms does scarlet fever infect?

Scarlet fever is essentially a bacterial infection that leads to a typical pink-red rash. It is caused by an organism Streptococcus and is seen rarely in developed countries like United Kingdom these days.

What is the treatment for scarlet fever?

Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics, usually penicillin or azithromycin. In addition to antibiotic treatment, patients with scarlet fever and severe throat symptoms may try: Acetaminophen ( Tylenol ) or ibuprofen ( Advil , Motrin and others) to relieve pain and reduce fever.

What damage can scarlet fever cause?

scarlet fever can cause heart arrhythmias and leaky valves. Scarlet fever is due to a strptococcla infection, one protein in this bacteria is similar to a protein found in the heart, and when the body produces chemicals against this protein in the bacteria, it sometimes damages the heart too.

What are the effects of scarlet fever?

However, if left untreated, scarlet fever can lead to serious complications including rheumatic fever (an inflammatory disease that can affect the heart, joints, skin, and brain), kidney damage, ear infections, skin infections, pneumonia, and sepsis.