La scarlet fever is a contagious infection caused by streptococcus A bacteria. Scarlet fever often starts with a sore throat (strep throat), followed by a rash, high fever, and lesions on the tongue.

The disease most commonly affects children 5 to 15 years old, but adults can also be affected.

In rare cases of untreated scarlet fever, complications can occur. These complications affect the ears, kidneys or joints.

What are the causes ?

The bacteria responsible for scarlet fever are frequently found in the gorge or on the skin. It can produce toxins responsible for Rashes and lesions on the language.

The disease is transmitted from person to person by droplets suspended in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by contact with objects contaminated by these secretions (glasses, kitchen utensils, toys, etc. hands, etc.).

Complications of scarlet fever

Complications from untreated scarlet fever are rather rare. In the early stages of the disease, the bacteria can sometimes cause an ear infection (otitis), a sinus infection (sinusitis), pneumonia, or more rarely an abscess in the throat or meningitis.

In the later stages of the disease, scarlet fever can very rarely cause serious complications, for example a acute articular rhumatism (a serious condition that can cause heart damage, joint pain and shortness of breath) or glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys).  

Diagnosis of the disease

If the doubt persists after the clinical examination, a rapid screening test (RDT) for strep throat can be used.

To perform this test, the doctor rubs a cotton swab in the patient’s throat, then places it in a solution. After a few minutes, the test will reveal the presence or not of a bacteria in the throat, in particular streptococcus. A sample can also be sent to a laboratory for further analysis.