Rheumatic Fever
Definition
Rheumatic fever (RF) is an illness that arises as a complication of untreated or inadequately treated strep throat infection. Rheumatic fever can seriously damage the valves of the heart.
Description
Throat infection with a member of the Group A streptococcus (strep) bacteria is a common problem among school-aged children. It is easily treated with a 10-day course of antibiotics by mouth. However, when such a throat infection occurs without symptoms, or when a course of medication is not taken for the full ten days, there is a 3 percent chance the person will develop rheumatic fever. Other types of strep infections...
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