- Scarlet fever: what are the symptoms?
- Who can be affected by scarlet fever?
- Scarlet fever: what are the causes of the disease?
- How is scarlet fever diagnosed?
- Scarlet fever: what is the treatment?
- Is there a scarlet fever vaccine?
In particular responsible for scarlet fever, type A streptococcal infections are experiencing an unusual increase in France and alert the health authorities. In the past few days, two children and an adult have died from complications. “Scarlet fever is a disease that was once thought to have disappeared but which has resurfaced in recent years”, explains Dr. Christine Coquart, homeopath and phytotherapist. If it is well monitored, scarlet fever nevertheless remains a mild infection most of the time.
Scarlet fever: what are the symptoms?
The first symptom of scarlet fever is a severe sore throat, which may be accompanied by lymph nodes in the neck. Then appears a rash with small buttons at the level of the thorax, folds at the level of the armpits, the elbows and the groin as well as on the lower abdomen, at the extremities and on the face. But “the characteristic sign is the raspberry-colored tongue”says Dr. Coquart.
A high fever (up to 40°C), stomach aches and great fatigue can also accompany these first symptoms.
sore throat can last 2-3 days and the rash a week, after which the child’s skin will peel off.
Who can be affected by scarlet fever?
“Scarlet fever affects children between the ages of 3 and 10, mainly during the winter”, says Dr. Coquart. If it is a childhood disease in most cases, scarlet fever can also attack adults. If it is not more serious in adults, it may happen that it is less well treated because doctors think about it less easily than in children.
However, there is a risk of complications in adults, more specifically damage to the kidneys, joints and heart.
Scarlet fever: what are the causes of the disease?
Scarlet fever is caused by a bacterium, streptococcus A which, when it enters the body, leads to the secretion of toxins. Scarlet fever is transmitted through the airin contact with droplets of contaminated saliva (sputter, cough, sneeze, etc.).
The child is contagious 2 to 5 days before the first signs of illness. Then another two days later.
How is scarlet fever diagnosed?
The diagnosis of scarlet fever is made during a medical examination after the appearance of clinical signs and is confirmed by the Rapid Diagnostic Orientation Test (TROD). Painless and simple, this test only takes a few minutes and is recommended for children from 3 years old.
Scarlet fever: what is the treatment?
A medical consultation is necessary because the signs are not always so obvious. If it is indeed scarlet fever, and therefore streptococcus A, which the doctor can confirm by taking a throat swab, the treatment is based on the administration of antibiotics, in particular amoxicillin, for 8 to 10 days. Paracetamol can also be given for 48 hours, if the fever is poorly tolerated.
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Scarlet fever is treatable, but it should be taken seriously as its complications can be serious if left untreated. Without antibiotics, we can fear in the aftermath acute articular rheumatism – which has become rare today. School eviction is recommended the first few days, to limit contagion and allow rest.
Is there a scarlet fever vaccine?
No, there is no vaccine against scarlet fever. To limit the contamination of the family, it is necessary to focus on hygiene measures:
- Do not share glasses or toothbrushes;
- Avoid kissing between siblings;
- Ventilate the home once or twice a day
- Ask the little patient to cover his mouth if he coughs.
