How to Prevent Scarlet Fever

Scarlet fever is a disease caused by group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus bacteria. The characteristic bright red rash is caused by the release of erythrogenic toxin. Scarlet fever normally arises as a complication that develops in 10 percent of the cases of strep throat but it also may follow a streptococcal infection in other parts of the body. The following steps will show how to prevent a case of scarlet fever.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Get early treatment for strep infections to prevent them from progressing into scarlet fever, especially strep throat.

2. Practice good general hygiene and cover your mouth when you sneeze. Anyone infected with scarlet fever should be isolated from other family members if possible, especially infants and younger siblings.

3. Separate bed linen, drinking glasses, eating utensils, towels and other personal items used by the infected individual from those of other family members to help prevent spreading scarlet fever. Wash these items thoroughly in hot soapy water preferably with antibacterial soap or detergent. Persons with scarlet fever also should wash their hands thoroughly and often with warm soapy water, especially after touching someone who may have an infection.

4. Keep children with scarlet fever out of school until they have received antibiotics for at least 24 hours and shows clear signs of improvement or upon approval of your health care provider.

5. Complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if the symptoms resolve. Patients with scarlet fever will continue to shed Streptococci for up to two weeks.

Resources

• Learn more about scarlet fever at Kidshealth.

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[gailM]

on 9/22/2008 I had this as a kid. It can damage your heart.