What is: SCARLET FEVER

spread through contact with the fluid from Impetigo sores. (Impetigo is a skin infection). Group A Strep, the bacteria that causes Scarlet Fever, can be spread by an infected person who has no symptoms, though someone who has Strep Throat is more contagious than someone with no symptoms. There is no vaccine to prevent Scarlet Fever. The best prevention is teaching your kids good hand hygiene and to not drink after others.

A rapid strep test or a throat culture is used to diagnose Scarlet Fever. Most of the time, Scarlet Fever is a mild infection and is treated successfully without complications after antibiotics. However, even though this condition is treatable, parents should not hesitate to seek treatment for it. A patient with untreated Scarlet Fever is more at risk for complications such as Rheumatic Fever and Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis (a kidney disease).

Seek emergency care for a child who has difficulty breathing, chest pain, shows signs of dehydration or becomes lethargic.

RESOURCES: https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/scarlet-fever.html