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
How do I get Scarlet fever
Group A strep live in the nose and throat and can easily spread to other people. It is important to know that all infected people do not have symptoms or seem sick. People who are infected spread the bacteria by coughing or sneezing, which creates small respiratory droplets that contain the bacteria
Symptoms
Very red, sore throat
Fever (101 °F or higher)
Whitish coating on the tongue early in the illness
“Strawberry” (red and bumpy) tongue
Red skin rash that has a sandpaper feel
Bright red skin in the creases of the underarm, elbow, and groin (the area where your stomach meets your thighs)
Swollen glands in the neck
Treatment
Doctors treat scarlet fever with antibiotics. Either penicillin or amoxicillin are recommended as a first choice for people who are not allergic to penicillin. Doctors can use other antibiotics to treat scarlet fever in people who are allergic to penicillin.
Prevention
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
Put your used tissue in the waste basket
Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands, if you don’t have a tissue
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available
Antibiotics Help Prevent Spreading the Infection to Others
People with scarlet fever should stay home from work, school, or daycare until they:
No longer have a fever
ANDHave taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours
Take the prescription exactly as the doctor says to. Don’t stop taking the medicine, even if you or your child feel better, unless the doctor says to stop
For more information, please click here: https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/scarlet-fever.html#antibiotics