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Scarlet FeverScarlet Fever, caused by group A Beta-hemolytic streptococci bacteria, is another childhood illness. The source of infection is from nose or throat secretions of an infected person. This commonly happens when the infected person coughs, sneezes or prepares food (with unwashed hands) which the child eats. The child will develop symptoms from one to seven days after first contact and could remain infectious as a carrier for months. First symptoms include abrupt high fever, rapid pulse, vomiting, headache, chills, malaise and abdominal pain. Several other symptoms are typical for scarlet fever. Tonsils become enlarged and red and the childs tongue first develops a white coating and is swollen. Four or five days later, the tongue is still swollen and becomes red. The other characteristic of the illness is a rash appearing within 12 hours of the first symptoms. The rash is absent on the face and more intense in the folds of the joints. The doctor may prescribe penicillin and fever should be gone in 24 hours after treatment is started. Nose or throat cultures, taken before treatment, will test positive for strep. Have the child rest in bed while she has a fever and you might ask the doctor for pain medication for a sore throat. |
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