Why in News?
Scarlet fever has returned to the spotlight due to a significant resurgence in cases across several countries, including the UK, parts of Europe, and China, following the lifting of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
About Scarlet Fever
- Causative Agent: It is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus (Group A Strep).
- Mechanism: The bacteria produce a toxin that causes the characteristic red rash in people who are susceptible to it.
- Target Group: It primarily affects children aged 5 to 15 years, though adults can also catch it.
- Transmission: It spreads through respiratory droplets (coughs and sneezes) or direct contact with contaminated surfaces/skin sores.
Key Symptoms
The illness usually follows a predictable pattern:
- Initial Signs: High fever, a very sore throat, and swollen neck glands.
- The Rash: A pink-red rash appears 12–48 hours later. It feels like sandpaper to the touch and typically starts on the chest or stomach.
- "Strawberry Tongue": The tongue may initially have a white coating, which peels away to leave it red, bumpy, and swollen.
- Flushed Face: The cheeks may look very red, while the area around the mouth remains pale.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnosis: Doctors usually perform a rapid strep test or a throat swab to confirm the presence of Group A Strep.
- Antibiotics: It is easily treated with a 10-day course of antibiotics (usually penicillin or amoxicillin).
- Recovery: Fever usually breaks within 24 hours of starting treatment, and the rash fades within a week.
- Contagion Window: Patients are no longer contagious 24 hours after starting the first dose of antibiotics.
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