Scarlet fever: The signs and symptoms you need to know
After a school had to close down due to the outbreak of scarlet fever in Vaalwater, Review spoke to local doctors Paul Vorster and Flip van As about the illness.
POLOKWANE – Once a common cause of death in young children, Scarlet fever has made an unprecedented comeback in several countries across the globe in recent years. Today, the illness can be treated with antibiotics.
Doctor Paul Vorster explains that the start of the infection is a sore throat.
You might also want to read: Mango fly worm cases reported in Polokwane
“It starts with Streptococcus, a sore throat that moves on towards the tonsils. Then the rash starts with red spots on the face and neck, moving to the chest area.”
He further explains that the tip of the nose and the lips will not be affected by the rash. Doctor Flip Van As adds that the rash is red and will blanch on pressure.
“The rash feels like sandpaper and will be found under the arms and in the groin area as well.”
The rash usually begins on the abdomen and then quickly spreads outwards. It is usually less visible on the palms, soles of the feet. Vorster says that even though the illness is not deadly, it is highly contagious and if not treated might result in organ failure.
“The patient will have a very high, constant fever and since there is some infection in the skin, it might peel off. Because of the high fever and sore throat, the patient must get to the doctor to receive antibiotics.”
The rash usually persists for about one week and desquamation may follow. Since it is a bacterial disease, it is most commonly spreads through direct person-to-person contact like when you cough or sneeze.
Van As says that it is more likely to spread in crowded conditions such as schools and daycare centres. Children between the ages of three and 10 are the most susceptible.
“I have treated a 17-year old in the past. It is not a common illness, but I treat one or two cases each year,” says Vorster.
