what is rheumatic fever

Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory condition that can affect the heart, joints, brain, and skin. It is caused by an autoimmune response to an earlier infection, usually strep throat, scarlet fever, or strep skin infections. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, particularly in the heart, joints, skin, and central nervous system, causing inflammation and swelling. Symptoms of rheumatic fever can include fever, painful and tender joints, skin problems such as a raised rash, fatigue, and nervous system problems such as involuntary movements and twitches. Rheumatic fever mainly affects children ages 5 to 15 who have had strep throat or scarlet fever, and it usually occurs about 2 to 4 weeks after a strep throat infection. If left untreated, rheumatic fever can cause permanent damage to the heart, including damaged heart valves and heart failure. The only way to prevent rheumatic fever is to treat strep throat infections or scarlet fever promptly and completely with a full course of appropriate antibiotics.