Rheumatic Fever is a rare but can lead to a be a potentially life-threatening disease. Although it is far less common in the U.S., there have been a few outbreaks since the 1980s. Rheumatic fever affects primarily children between the ages of 6-15 and occurs approximately 20 days (usually within 1 to 5 weeks) Rheumatic fever is a complication of untreated strep throat caused by bacteria called group A streptococcus the main symptoms are fever, muscle aches, swollen and painful joints, chest pain and in some cases, a red rash and typically begins two to four weeks after a bout of strep. Variations in signs and symptoms in different age groups and in different environments can make Rheumatic Fever syndrome difficult (Connor, 1946). In some cases, …show more content…
The pain often migrates from one joint to another. However, the greatest danger from the disease is the damage it can do to the heart. In more than half of all cases, rheumatic fever scars the valves of the heart, forcing this vital organ to work harder to pump blood. Over a period of months or even years mainly if the disease strikes again the damage to the heart can lead to a serious condition known as rheumatic heart disease, which can eventually cause the heart to fail. Rheumatic fever can also cause a temporary nervous system disorder once known as St. Vitus' dance, now known as Sydenham's chorea. This is a nervous disorder that is characterized by rapid, jerky, involuntary movements of the body, usually occurring more to one side of the body. People with mild cases of chorea may find it difficult to concentrate or write. More severe cases can cause the muscles of the arms, legs, or face to twitch uncontrollably. The management of rheumatic fever is geared toward the reduction of the inflammation with anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or corticosteroids. Someone with positive cultures for strep throat should also be treated with