Scarlet Fever - Definition



Scarlet fever is an infection caused by a bacterium called Streptococcus (pronounced strep-tuh-KOK-us). The disease is characterized by a sore throat (see sore throat entry), fever, and a sandpaper-like rash on reddened skin. It is primarily a childhood disease. If scarlet fever is not treated, serious complications, including rheumatic fever (a heart disease; see rheumatic fever entry) and inflammation of the kidney, can result.

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