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Scarlet Fever

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Young girl

Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus or “group A strep.” This illness affects some people who have strep throat or skin infections caused by group A strep. It is usually a mild illness, but people with scarlet fever need treatment to prevent rare but serious health problems. Doctors treat scarlet fever with antibiotics. Antibiotics help someone with scarlet fever feel better sooner and protect others from getting sick. Although anyone can get scarlet fever, it usually affects children between 5 and 15 years old. The classic symptom of the disease is a certain type of red rash that feels rough, like sandpaper.

Quiz

Key Facts

  • Although anyone can get scarlet fever, it usually affects children between 5 and 15 years old.
  • If you touch your mouth, nose, or eyes after touching something that has group A strep bacteria on it, you may become ill.
  • Doctors treat scarlet fever with antibiotics.
  • Common symptoms of scarlet fever include sore throat with painful swallowing, fever (101° F or above), and a red rash.
  • Protect yourself and others by washing your hands often and not sharing eating utensils or other personal items.

Media

  • Mother checking daughter's forehead

    Illness usually begins with a fever and sore throat. There also may be chills and abdominal pain. The tongue may have a whitish coating and appear swollen. It may also have a red and bumpy appearance. Small, flat red blotches may appear first on the neck, underarm, or groin. As the rash spreads over the body, it starts to feel like sandpaper.

  • Bottle of medication

    Long-term health problems may include rheumatic fever, kidney disease, ear infections, skin infections, abscesses of the throat, pneumonia, and arthritis. Treatment with antibiotics can prevent most of these health problems.

  • Children washing their hands

    The best way to keep from getting infected is to wash your hands often and avoid sharing eating utensils, linens, towels, or other personal items. There is no vaccine to prevent scarlet fever. Children with scarlet fever should stay home from school or daycare for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotics.

Scarlet Fever Podcast

Prevention Tips

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. It is especially important for anyone with a sore throat to wash his or her hands often.
  • Avoid sharing eating utensils, linens towels, or other personal items. Group A strep bacteria are spread through contact with droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze. If you touch your mouth, nose, or eyes after touching something that has these droplets on it, you may become ill.
  • If infected, take antibiotics. Treatment with antibiotics can prevent most long-term health problems from scarlet fever.
  • Stay home if infected. Children with scarlet fever should stay home from school or daycare for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotics.

More at CDC.gov

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