Overview
Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness caused by a particular type of streptococcus infection. The main cause is a particular bacteria that releases toxins that cause a characteristic skin rash. It most often affects children during the winter, but adults can also get it. Scarlet fever is highly contagious, but fortunately, in most cases it’s a mild illness that passes quickly. Antibiotic treatment is effective in overcoming the disease and helps prevent the risk of complications, which are rare but potentially serious.
What Is Scarlet Fever?
Scarlet fever (sometimes called Scarlatina) is a bacterial disease caused by group A streptococcus. It often appears as a characteristic rash, which gives it it’s name, alongside high fever, a sore throat and strawberry-like lesions on the tongue. The disease is common in children between the ages of 5 and 18, but adults can also be affected.
How Is It Transmitted?
The most common form of transmission is close contact via respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing or sputters projected while talking) or indirectly, by touching objects which have been recently contaminated.
The contagion period tends to be 10 to 21 days without treatment, and only 24 to 48 hours with appropriate treatment.
What Causes Scarlet Fever?
Scarlet fever is caused by a bacteria of the streptococcus family: Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS). This germ is responsible for a large number of infections, often benign, such as angina, pharyngitis and impetigo. When it enters the body, this bacteria produces toxic substances that begin to attack their surroundings. It is mainly found in the secretions of the nose and pharynx, but also on the skin. Once the bacteria is installed, the infected person can transmit scarlet fever to a healthy person, especially in the winter, when the immune system tends to be slightly weaker.
Scarlet fever rarely occurs in children younger than 2. In fact, babies are often immune to scarlet fever. They are protected by their mother’s antibodies passed on during pregnancy, via the placenta.
The disease rarely affects adults, who are usually already immune. However, it can happen to those who have come into contact with streptococcus for the first time. These people are usually professionals working in nurseries, schools, hospitals or in medical laboratories.
In recent years, scarlet fever cases have become even more rare due to a better diagnosis of bacterial angina.
