Rheumatic Fever - Definition
Rheumatic fever (RF; pronounced roo-MAT-ic FEE-ver) is a disease caused by a group of bacteria known as Group A streptococcus (pronounced STREP-tuh-cac-us). The exact conditions that lead to rheumatic fever are not well understood. However, the condition often follows a case of strep throat that was not treated or not treated correctly. Rheumatic fever can seriously damage the valves of the heart.
