The Effects and Dangers of Contracting Scarlet Fever
The Effects and Dangers of Contracting Scarlet Fever
Scarlet Fever is a contagious disease caused by the same bacteria that causes strep throat. This bacteria is called group A beta-hemolytic streptococcacus (Balentine and Kessler 1). This bacteria usually starts in the tonsils or pharynx. "Transmission is most commonly via airborne respiratory particles and can be spread from infected patients, as well as asymptotic carriers. Infection rate increases in overcrowded situations (eg, school or other institutional settings)." (Balentine and Kessler 3). It can be caught through close contact with someone who has this bacteria and has not taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours (PPP healthcare). If this bacteria does invade the body than many symptoms can result.
It takes about 2-4 days after catching the disease for the symptoms to start appearing (PPP healthcare). Symptoms start with a sore throat, fever, and sometimes vomiting. 24hours later a rash made up of small red bumps starts behind the ears. This is where the name Scarlet Fever came from. The rash is the wors in places where he skin folds like elbow creases. The rash spreads but avoids the face. However the face appears flushed. After about 4 to 5 days the rash clears but is then followed a few days later by skin peeling where the rash was the worse (PPP healthcare). The tongue takes on a strange look. It is called "strawberry tongue". The tongue is coated with white everywhere except the small bumps that stick out according to the Western Journal of Medicine.
Scarlet Fever is most often caught by young children between the ages 2-8 ((Balentine and Kessler 3). There is a 10-15% chance of a child between those ages strep throat turning in to Scarlet Fever. In the 1800's especially there were many deadly outbreaks of scarlet fever (The Western Journal of Medicine). Now days, however, there are very few deaths in America because of antibiotics. In other less developed countries they still have many deaths from the disease. Scarlet fever can be cured if antibiotics to kill the bacteria are given. The same type of antibiotics as strep throat are given because they share the same bacteria. The exact type of antibiotics given will depend on the doctor. The ones that can be given are called Penicillin VK, Penicillin G...