Scarlet fever

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Definition

Scarlet fever, or scarlatina, is an illness that brings on a rash covering most of the body, a strawberry-like appearance of the tongue and usually a high fever. The most common source of scarlet fever is one form of a common bacterial infection known as strep throat. Therefore, a sore throat and other signs and symptoms of a typical strep throat infection almost always accompany scarlet fever.

Infrequent sources of scarlet fever are related bacterial infections affecting other organ systems.

Scarlet fever rarely affects people older than 18 and is most common in children 5 to 15 years of age. Although scarlet fever was once considered a serious childhood illness, antibiotic treatments have made it less threatening.

Nonetheless, if left untreated, scarlet fever (like strep throat) can result in more serious conditions that affect the heart, kidneys and other parts of the body.

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Symptoms